Hanuman’s diplomatic/cunning attempt to thwart Angad’s sedition.

Orientation

For generations, the Indian masses have heard tales of Ramayan(and other epics) from their elders, saints, preachers, books and so on. Our generation is fortunate to have access to painstakingly done research and fathomless information, and a lot of it is available easily. The times have also changed a lot, hence, it is essential for a rational Indian to periodically read the epics like a work of history, rather than simply listening and accepting those as folktales.

Hanuman is known to have at least the following talents(many more are documented but my focus is on the listed ones):
1. Extreme physical prowess.
2. Unrivalled combat skills.
3. Accomplished career diplomat.
4. Statesmanship.
5. Profound knowledge of the Ved(Hindi: वेद), Shastras(Hindi: शास्त्र), grammar.
6. Astute communicator.

Sadly, the Indian society has reduced Hanuman to a celibate, muscular ‘God’ rather than a versatile person who can serve as an ideal of many skills that are crucial in the practical world. This series of posts will focus on Hanuman and his endeavours from the viewpoint of a history buff

Context

The readers must bear in mind that Hanuman was loyal to Sugreev(Hindi: सुग्रीव). My guess is because Hanuman’s father, Kesari, served directly under Sugreev.
Sugreev had dispatched search parties of Vanaras(Hindi: वानर) in all directions to find Sita’s(Hindi: सीता) whereabouts. Ram(Hindi: राम) and Lakshman(Hindi: लक्ष्मण) were anxiously waiting for the results. Sugreev had given a deadline (at least, to the eastern and western search parties) of one month. The ones failing to meet it would be executed.
Hanuman, Angad(Hindi: अंगद), Neel(Hindi: नील), Jambavan(Hindi: जाम्बवान्), Maindh(Hindi: मैंद), Dvivid(Hindi: द्विविद), Tar(हिंदी: तार) and others were sent to the south. Angad was appointed as leader of the southern search party.

Situation

The search party had started in Autumn (Hindi: शरद ऋतू). After combing jungles, passes, mountains and valleys, they reached a mountain near the shores of an ocean (possibly, the Indian Ocean in the south). It was almost winter (Hindi: शिशिर ऋतू). The deadline wasn’t met, hence, all the Vanaras were terrified at the prospect of getting executed.

Angad addressed the search party:
” O mighty Vanar nobles! We have failed to meet the deadline. Sugreev is a ruthless ruler and surely, we will be executed. It was Shri Ram, not Sugreev, who anointed me as the prince. Sugreev hates me and he will either execute or imprison me for life, under the pretext of failing the search operation. Instead of facing this humiliation, I’ll fast till death on these shores.”

Seeds of sedition???

All the Vanaras confirmed Angad’s suspicion (of getting executed). Tar suggested that they should re-enter Swayamprabha’s illusionary cave. As per him, it would conceal them from Sugreev, Ram and Lakshman, also it had ample supplies, trees, water, etc.

Hanuman’s attempts to avoid fragmentation

Hanuman realised that if a versatile and powerful Vanar like Angad receives support from incumbent and experienced Vanaras, he would topple Sugreev and claim the throne(maybe, that’s why Sugreev sent included Hanuman in Angad’s search party).

Hanuman first tried to create a divide/difference of opinion in the Vanaras other than Angad. When he got some success, he turned his attention to Angad and tried to intimidate him:
” O mighty Angad! You are as capable as your great father. You would undoubtedly become an able ruler.
Beware! These Vanaras are ficklesome by nature. They won’t be able to serve you after leaving their families at Sugreev’s mercy.

Neither they nor I would change sides(we will stay loyal to Sugreev). Your side will always be feeble.

The moment you enter that cave, they will leave you. They can’t stay away from their families for long and once they realize the hardships of living in a cave, they will regret pledging alliance  and will retract. Bear in mind – the cave cannot stop Ram and Lakshman. They will come hunting for you.

Instead of living in constant fear, show up in Sugreev’s court – he is a righteous, committed and determined ruler. In time, he will definitely crown you as the king. Remember, Sugreev has no son and he wants your mother to be happy.”

Moral of the Story

While Angad remained unconvinced, one should note Hanuman’s political skills. He tried to avoid :
1. Internal conflict between Vanaras which would weaken their states.
2. Ram & Lakshman’s wrath and enmity with the Vanaras.