The Ramayana stands as the "Adi Kavya"—the first poem—of the Indian tradition, a monumental Itihasa (narrative of past events) that has shaped the moral and cultural landscape of Asia for millennia. The title itself is a compound of Rama and ayana, signifying "Rama’s Journey." Yet, the name of our protagonist carries a profound semantic duality found within the layers of our oldest texts: while the Atharvaveda associates Rama with "dark-colored" or "black" (allied with ratri, the stillness of night), the Mahabharata celebrates the name as "pleasing, beautiful, or charming.

As a work of Itihasa, it is far more than a simple chronicle; it is a sophisticated vehicle designed to convey the four goals of human life (Purusharthas) through the lens of a narrative allegory. It offers a blueprint for the "Dharmic" life, presenting archetypal figures who embody the highest ideals of kinship and social responsibility.

The core purpose of the Ramayana is to present an aspirational ideal for society and statehood. This is encapsulated in the concept of Rama Rajya, a utopian state where the rule of law is just, fair, and focused on the fulfillment and satisfaction of the common people.