The Vaanaras

The Vaanaras may have been anthropomorphic creatures, resembling humans, with the ability to walk erect and to talk. They may have been indigenous tribes or an unknown humanoid species. The Raamayana attributes to them, the ability to change their forms, characteristics like supreme intelligence (Hanuman), unsurpassed physical strength (Vali), emotions like loyalty, piety, envy etc. while at the same time attributing baser monkey-like traits, for instance, once the southern party returned bearing news of Sita, (with the exception of the leaders like Hanuman and Angada), the Vaanaras were allowed to plunder the royal garden, Madhuvana, in order to let Sugreeva know of their success.

Some characters who find specific mention are:

Nala and Nila were brothers and the spiritual sons of Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and Agni, respectively. Nala, an architect, was instrumental in building the bridge across the ocean. He also built tents for the army to camp and participated in the battle.

Nila, a skilled warrior, was the commander-in-chief of the Vaanara army. He was part of the search party that headed south, along with Hanuman. He fought valiantly in the battle and faced many a strong opponent with great courage.

Sushena was the physician of the Vaanaras. He was instrumental in reviving Lakshmana with his knowledge of the healing powers of the herb, Sanjeevini, and its location.

Taara, the wife of Vali, was the daughter of Sushena. After Vali’s demise, she became the wife of Sugreeva, and in the interim period when Sugreeva ruled assuming Vali to be dead. Some stories suggest that Tara was the wife of both Vali and Sugreeva. But, without doubt Angada was the son of Vali and Tara. Tara’s intelligence and diplomatic acumen have been highlighted when she diffuses Lakshmana’s anger at Sugreeva’s delay* in rendering help to find Sita.

*Sugreeva, after ascending the throne is said to have become immersed in hedonistic pleasures neglecting to help Raama as promised.

Taara in her wisdom advised Vali to not get into a combat with Sugreeva the second round, aware of his alliance with Raama. When Vali succumbed to Raama’s arrow, Taara is said to have been inconsolable. This is described as “Tara’s lament” and has been used to bring in the ephemeral nature of the body as Raama consoled and enlightened her.

Ruma was the wife of Sugreeva forcibly taken by Vali after Sugreeva’s banishment. While Sugreeva had made Taara his wife, twice, when she was widowed*, (believed to be widowed, in the first instance), Vali forced Ruma to be his wife while her husband was still alive.

*therefore considered acceptable

Angada was the son of Vali, who assisted Sugreeva after Vali’s demise. He became the king of the Vaanaras after Sugreeva. Prior to the battle, he went to Raavana’s court as an emissary of peace and tried to get Raavana to surrender to Raama. Raavana rejected Angada’s proposal telling him that he (Raavana) was his father’s (Vali’s) friend. Angada, unswerved by the disclosure, insisted that there was nothing better in the world than being of service to Raama.

Kesari and Anjani were the Vaanara parents of Hanuman, the spiritual son of Vayu.

Hanuman was the right hand of Sugreeva. Upon meeting Raama, he considered himself as Raama’s “daasa”. He played a crucial role in finding Sita, and is perhaps the only character in the entire Raamayana to have a whole kaanda dedicated to his feats.

The Sundara Kaanda describes in detail, Hanuman’s flying over the ocean to Lanka; defeating Lankini, the guardian angel of the kingdom*; searching for Sita in the palace of Raavana and finally finding her in the Ashoka Vana; gently announcing his presence and allegiance to Raama and presenting Raama’s signet ring to Sita; assuring Sita of Raama’s impending arrival; destroying the Ashoka Vana by uprooting trees in order to show the power of Raama; allowing himself to be tied up and meeting with Raavana; assessing the powers of the enemy; and finally setting fire to Lanka and triumphantly returning to Kishkindha. Hanuman again played a major role by carrying the Dronagiri with the divine herb, Sanjeevini, to revive Lakshmana.

*not mentioned in Valmiki’s Raamayana, though

Hanuman also carried Raama and Lakshmana on his shoulders in the battle. Post the battle, he flew towards Ayodhya to assess Bharatha’s state of mind, and assured him of Raama’s return. Once Raama ascended the throne, all the Vaanaras return to Kishkindha but Hanuman stayed back to be with Raama.