Why Hanuman favoured Vibhishan’s defection?

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

Preface

Reading, analyzing History isn’t enough, drawing inferences, establishing morals and acting accordingly is crucial.
This is a bit inferential post but based entirely on the texts in Valmiki Ramayan.

Context

Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman, Sugreev(Hindi: सुग्रीव), Angad(Hindi: अंगद), Jambavan(Hindi: जांबवान), Nal(Hindi: नल), Neel(Hindi: नील) and the armies of Vanaras(Hindi: वानर) and Richh(Hindi: रीछ) had reached the southern shore. Ravan and the other Rakshasas(Hindi: राक्षस) were preparing for the impending war. Vibhishan(Hindi: विभीषण) dissuaded Ravan from going to war, and suggested to return Sita to Ram. Ravan, Indrajeet(Hindi: इंद्रजीत) and others not only rubbished Vibhishan’s concerns but also mocked, insulted him. Thereafter, Vibhishan deserted Lanka and arrived in Ram’s camp, as a defector.

Situation

Ram asked his war cabinet ministers to express their opinions about Vibhishan’s defection. The opinions put forth were as follows:
– Sugreev suggested executing/imprisoning/ banishing Vibhishan.
– Angad suggested interrogation, and if deemed feasible, assigning him a task to evaluate his commitment.
– Sharabh(Hindi: शरभ) suggested keeping a watch on him.
– Jambavan felt that the time of Vibhishan’s defection was inappropriate, therefore, suspicious.
– Maind(Hindi: मैंद)suggested to host him, and to elicit information by sweet-talk.

Hanuman’s opinion:

“My opinion isn’t for the sake of guesswork, debate, competing, vanity or any other motive. It is purely in interest of our mission”.

Then, Hanuman politely and logically contradicted the above opinions:
– Given the bigger problems and lack of time(they were yet to cross the sea and Sita was nearing death!), it was impossible to get information about Vibhishan from any other sources.
– Without evaluating Vibhishan, relying on him for any task seemed a misjudgement.
– Spies are sent to gather information about someone distant/remote, not someone living in your own war camp.

The following points shed light on Hanuman’s inference that Vibhishan should be accepted, and that he would prove to be an asset:
1. During his conversation with Sita in Ashok Vatika, the latter narrated:
– Vibhishan did his best to persuade Ravan to return her to Ram and avoid the impending war.
– Vibhishan’s wife sent their daughter, Kala(Hindi: कला) to meet Sita, and to inform the above developments.
– Note that Hanuman, like a seasoned diplomat and statesman, didn’t mention these details, in any cabinet meeting.
2. At the end of his address to the war cabinet, Hanuman stated that Vibhishan had fairly analysed the situation:
– Ram’s exploits and achievements as a warrior and politician.
– Ravan’s haughty and imprudent political discourse.
– Vali‘s(Hindi: वाली) assassination and Sugreev’s coronation (by this, Ram had achieved the strategic and political support of many powerful Vanaras).
– High probability that Ram would not only provide him(Vibhishan) refuge/asylum but also coronate him as the next King of Lanka.