Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c20.s5.t2.2

v2.c20.s5.t2.2

The Malayan texts which show this influence at its best are those based on Indian epics. The story of the Rāmāyaṇa forms the basis of Hikayat Seri Rāma¹. While giving the essential part of the story, viz., the abduction of Sītā by Rāvaṇa, the death of the latter with his family in the hands of Rāma, and the part played by Hanumān, the present text differs widely on some vital points. For example, Kaikeyī is made a sister of Rāma and married to Bibhīṣaṇa. Rāma was jealous to find in possession of Sītā a portrait of Rāvaṇa (which she had really made for Kaikeyī) and sent her to her father Maharṣi Kāla, etc. etc.