Significance of Ratnavali

Ratnavali has multiple interpretations across different texts and traditions. In Jainism, it refers to a daughter sought by Ravana and a lengthy series of fasting days. In the Arthashastra, it signifies a string of pearls. The Purana describes Ratnavali as a beautiful dove and the reborn daughter of a king whose artistic skills are notable. Additionally, in Natyashastra, it’s a dramatic work by Harsha about love. It further designates a virtuous wife in Kavya and a significant Sanskrit play in Indian history.

In Dutch: Ratnavali; In German: Ratnavali; In Finnish: Ratnavali; In Spanish: Ratnavali; In Swedish: Ratnavali; In Malay: Ratnavali

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Ratnavali'

Hinduism Books

Ratnavali in Hinduism symbolizes beauty and loyalty through various interpretations, including a Naga maiden, a devoted wife, a character in Harsha's play, and a valuable string of pearls, reflecting themes of love and artistic talent.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The virtuous wife of Dhanadatta, who experiences betrayal and suffering yet retains her loyalty to her husband despite his ungratefulness.[1]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) A work by Harsha characterized by its dramatic portrayal of love and relationships.[2]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) A string of pearls that is variegated with gold globules.[3]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Ratnavali'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Ratnavali can be interpreted as both a spiritual practice involving a rigorous fasting schedule of 384 days, alongside its mythological aspect as the daughter of the Vidyadhara-lord whom Ravana seeks to wed.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The daughter of the Vidyadhara-lord whom Ravana desires to marry.[4] (2) A series of fasting days, amounting to 384 fast-days and 88 fast-breaking days, completing a total of 1 year, 3 months, and 22 days, with various stipulations regarding food.[5]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Ratnavali in local and regional sources

History Books

Ratnavali, authored by poet-Emperor Sri Harsha, is celebrated for its exceptional poetic quality and significance in Sanskrit literature, being one of his three renowned plays that exemplify literary excellence in classical Indian drama.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The name of Tulsi's wife who criticized him for his devotion to her over Lord Rama, propelling him towards a spiritual journey.[6] (2) A famous play by poet-Emperor Sri Harsha, recognized for its poetic excellence and contributions to Sanskrit poetics.[7]