Why Did the Indian Epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana) Become Religious Texts While the Homeric Epics Did Not?

Both the Homeric and Indian epics were rich in the representation of their respective societies’ polytheistic religious beliefs. Over time, they underwent significant metamorphoses, with the Homeric epics embodying a principal oral tradition and the Indian epics being narrated through skilled bards (Sutas).

Oral Tradition and Improvisation

The Iliad and Odyssey, which form part of the Homeric epics, were initially meant for live performance by a chanted poet using rhythmic accompaniment, similar to a lyre. These epics were not bound by a written text and were thus improvised upon during performance, much like jazz music, integrating and modifying pre-existing material.

Oral Narration and Performance Art

The Indian epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana, also have their origins in oral narration by bards (Sutas). These performances were intended to narrate stories of ancient kings and their bravery, making them a performance art form.

The Written Form

Beyond 700–400 BCE, both epics transitioned into fixed written forms. However, from 400 BCE onwards, significant societal changes led to the transformation of these texts. The Homeric epics were frozen in its classical form as the ancient Greco-Roman polytheism declined, and Christianity took root, leading to a disinterest in the old gods and their narratives.

Decline of Greco-Roman Polytheism and Rise of Christianity

The decline of Greco-Roman polytheistic beliefs with the introduction of Christianity and the subsequent rise in fear of persecution among followers of ancient pagan religions influenced the stagnation of Homeric epics. People's attachment to the old gods waned, ceasing any further evolution in their narratives.

Religious Evolution and the Rise of Vaishnavism

In contrast, the Indian epics underwent a significant transformation due to the evolving religious landscape of society. With the decline of Buddhism and the rise of the Bhakti Movement during the Gupta Empire (2nd to 3rd centuries CE), characters like Krishna and Rama, who were previously considered wise men, took on divine forms.

The Emergence of Vaishnavism

Indologist R.N. Dandekar suggests that Vaishnavism, the worship of the Hindu god Vishnu, may have emerged through the merger of several ancient theistic traditions. This theory posits that various deities were integrated as different avatars of the same god (Vasudeva-Krishna), building upon the existing Vedic religion. By the 4th century CE, the cult of Gopala-Krishna of the cowherd community of the Abhra people further solidified this integration.

Conclusion

I theorize that the Homeric epics did not become religious texts because the pertaining religion declined and ultimately died out. Conversely, the Indian epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana) evolved into religious texts as their society's religious practices and beliefs transformed from polytheism and Vedic religion to a more common polytheistic idol worshiping religion.

Related

For further exploration, you may be interested in the Aparna Korattyswaroopam's analysis of Mahabharata, which, despite its focus on war and enmity, is still considered a holy book by Hindus. This ties into the complex evolution of religious narratives in Indian society.