Studies in the Epics and Puranas c7.s2.28

c7.s2.28

1. The later parts of the Rāmāyaṇa, especially Books I and VII, are separated from the genuine Rāmāyaṇa of Books II to VI by a long interval of time.
2. The whole Rāmāyaṇa, including the later portions, was already an old and famous work when the Mahābhārata had not yet attained its present form.
3. It is probable that the Rāmāyaṇa had its present extent and contents as early as towards the close of the second century A.D.