In the second episode of our three-part podcast series, Professor Arup K. Chatterjee sits down with Dr. Rhodora G. Magan to discuss her article “The Ramayan of the Maranao” from the journal Shima. You can watch and listen here. Together, they explore how the ancient Hindu epic of the Ramayana traveled across Asia and took root among the Maranao people of Mindanao.
They delve into the figure of Maharadia Lawana, not just as a villain but as a symbol of shifting power and identity in the Malay Archipelago, especially during the Sabah dispute. Dr. Magan explains how the epic was reshaped to fit an Islamic framework, blending local Maranao beliefs, storytelling traditions, and colonial history into a unique regional version of the Ramayana. You’ll hear how these layers of cultural blending reveal the epic’s journey through time and faith.
If you’re curious about how stories evolve across cultures, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on cultural syncretism and regional memory.
Arup K. Chatterjee 