Chapter 1.14 - The relevance and significance of the study

The epics have mentioned environmental and ecological aspects in an indirect way giving some very valuable messages to mankind. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are not directly concerned with environmental problems. But we notice that the soul of the epics is the environment.

The present Study might provide a platform for a discussion on the natural phenomena especially related to birds and animals and the significance of having an eco-friendly lifestyle. Viewed this way, the current work Portrayal of the Animal Kingdom (Tiryacs) in the Epics -An Analytical Study is dealing with the traditional zoological aspects of animals and birds.

The Epic Ramayana includes descriptions of more than 60 types of birds and animals. In Mahabharata also there are so many references to animals and birds. The poet has often noticed sub varieties of these species, too. There have been some other studies of this kind dealing with the animal kingdom in the Epics. But most of them are not detailed like the present one. It is to be noted that no extensive studies about the animals and birds mentioned in the Epics have been undertaken and that is what prompted to venture into this project. Such a study, it is hoped, will be beneficial in assessing our attitudes and behaviour towards various animals and birds that enrich our world.