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
- More than a month had elapsed since Sugreev(Hindi: सुग्रीव) dispatched the search parties in all directions, to locate Sita.
- Upon completing his reconnaissance mission in Lanka, Hanuman returned to the Mahendra mountain located on the southern seashore(of today’s India). There, the southern search party, comprising of Angad(Hindi: अंगद), Neel(Hindi: नील), Jambavan(Hindi: जाम्बवान्), Maindh(Hindi: मैंद), Dvivid(Hindi: द्विविद), Tar(हिंदी: तार) and others, was anxiously awaiting (good) news.
- Ten months had elapsed since Sita’s kidnapping. Ravan had given her a deadline of one year to accept being a part of his harem/become his wife, else face death. So, Sita had two more months to live!
- In the post about why Hanuman had suggested rescuing Sita, Hanuman’s practical concerns about a full-scale war are elaborated.
Situation
- Hanuman narrated the entire series of events – his infiltration of Lanka, conversation with Sita, duels with various Rakshasas(Hindi: राक्षस), visiting Ravan’s court, incineration of Lanka, etc. Upon completing his narration, Hanuman incited the search party to march on Lanka, kill Ravan and his army, rescue Sita, and return to Ram, as victors.
- Hanuman elicited pity and anger in the Vanaras by reiterating Sita’s dire straits and Ravan’s misbehavior with her. He individually praised each Vanar in the search party for their bravery, talents and prowess. He claimed that each of these Vanaras was more than a match for Ravan and his army.
- Angad heartily accepted Hanuman’s suggestion – “What is the point in troubling the Vanaras in Kishkindha! We will slay the Rakshas chiefs, rescue Sita and hand her over to Ram”.
- After witnessing the hysteria of the Vanaras, Jambavan intervened, and dissuaded Angad and others from marching on to Lanka.
Guesswork
- 1st possibility
Hanuman still wanted to avoid a full-scale war with Lanka. Probably, he wanted a commando-style raid on Lanka with limited objectives – kill Ravan and his chief warriors(remember, he sneaked in Ravan’s harem without even getting spotted), rescue Sita, and hand her over to Ram. This would save lives of plethora of Vanaras. Note that he already had the information that Vibhishan(Hindi: विभीषण) and many other able Rakshasas were against Ravan’s haughtiness and unscrupulous behaviour. Slaying of Ravan would imply Vibhishan taking over the reign, thereby, peace would prevail. - 2nd possibility
Valmiki Ramayan has several texts that describe sporadic haughty, impulsive and rash behaviour of Vanaras. Maybe, Hanuman was jubilant after his unprecedented feat, got hysteric and impulsive, and wanted to immediately end the predicaments of Ram, Sugreev and the Vanaras!
I vote for the 1st possibility, however, informed readers can add or correct.
Life is about being kinetic 