A proper index of Ramayan (1987) is more than a finding aid—it is an analytical instrument that reveals the serial’s hidden structures: its pacing of sorrow, its devotional repetitions, and its ideological elisions. For scholars of television, religion, and South Asian culture, this index provides a roadmap to one of the most influential media events of the 20th century. Future work might extend the index to include viewer recall data or regional dubbing variations.

The televised Ramayan (DD National, 1987–1988) reached an estimated 82% of Indian television viewers at its peak. However, analyzing its 78 episodes (each 25–30 minutes) requires more than plot summary. An index—a systematic reference to episodes, characters, themes, and events—allows scholars to trace narrative recurrences, pacing, and didactic emphases. Unlike a simple table of contents, a proper index of Ramayan (1987) is a navigational and analytical tool. This paper proposes a tripartite index: (1) Chronological Episode Index (with arc markers), (2) Character Appearance Index, and (3) Thematic/Moral Index. Drawing on narratology (Genette, 1980) and television studies (Newcomb & Hirsch, 1983), we demonstrate how the index reveals the serial’s deliberate construction as a modern paath (recitation).

You can find hidden indexes using specific Google search operators. Try typing these into Google:

Warning: These links are often found on private servers. Do not download .exe files. Only download video formats (.mp4, .mkv, .avi).

Once you find a reliable directory, you will want to preserve it. Here is how to create a personal "Index of Ramayan 1987" for your Plex or Jellyfin server:

Episodes 62 – 78

Due to immense public demand, Ramanand Sagar created an additional 26 episodes to cover the "Uttar Kand" (Epilogue), originally aired after the initial run concluded. This section deals with the tragic realities of ruling a kingdom.

The 1987 adaptation of the Ramayan, created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar, remains a cultural milestone in Indian television history. When it first aired on Doordarshan, it achieved a staggering 82% viewership rating, bringing the nation to a standstill every Sunday morning.

For fans, researchers, and nostalgic viewers, having a comprehensive index of Ramayan 1987 is essential for navigating the 78 episodes that make up this epic saga. Understanding the Structure: The Kands

Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan follows the traditional structure of Valmiki’s epic, divided into several "Kands" (books or sections). Each section marks a pivotal era in Lord Rama's life. 1. Bala Kand (The Youthful Episode)

This section introduces the kingdom of Ayodhya and King Dasharatha.

Key Events: The birth of Rama and his brothers, the protection of Sage Vishwamitra’s yagna, the slaying of Tadaka, and the famous Sita Swayamvar where Rama breaks Lord Shiva's bow. Episode Range: 1 – 15 2. Ayodhya Kand (The Ayodhya Episode)

The tone shifts from celebration to tragedy as palace intrigue takes center stage.

Key Events: Preparations for Rama’s coronation, Queen Kaikeyi’s two boons influenced by Manthara, and Rama’s departure for the 14-year exile followed by King Dasharatha’s death. Episode Range: 16 – 32 3. Aranya Kand (The Forest Episode)

The narrative follows Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana into the deep wilderness.

Key Events: Meetings with various sages (Atri, Agastya), the encounter with Shurpanakha, the slaying of Khara and Dushana, and the pivotal abduction of Sita by Ravana via the golden deer ruse. Episode Range: 33 – 42 4. Kishkindha Kand (The Kishkindha Episode) Rama searches for Sita and forms life-changing alliances.

Key Events: The meeting with Hanuman and Sugriva, the killing of Bali, and the mobilization of the Vanar Sena (monkey army) to find Sita’s location. Episode Range: 43 – 51 5. Sundar Kand (The Beautiful Episode) Focuses primarily on the heroism and devotion of Hanuman.

Key Events: Hanuman’s leap across the ocean, his meeting with Sita in Ashok Vatika, the burning of Lanka, and his return to Rama with the news of Sita's whereabouts. Episode Range: 52 – 58 6. Lanka Kand / Yuddha Kand (The War Episode)

The climax of the epic featuring the grand battle between good and evil.

Key Events: Building the Setu (bridge), the failed peace missions, the fall of great warriors like Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, and the final battle between Rama and Ravana. Episode Range: 59 – 75 7. Uttar Ramayan (The Epilogue)

While the original 1987 run concluded with Rama’s return, the popularity led to the production of Luv Kush (Uttar Ramayan).

Key Events: Rama’s coronation (Rajyabhishek), Sita’s second exile, the birth of Luv and Kush, and their eventual reunion with Rama. Episode Range: 76 – 78 (and subsequent spin-off episodes) Iconic Cast and Credits

An index of this series is incomplete without acknowledging the legendary actors who became synonymous with these divine figures: Arun Govil as Shri Ram Deepika Chikhalia as Mata Sita Sunil Lahri as Lakshman Dara Singh as Hanuman Arvind Trivedi as Ravana Why the 1987 Index Matters Today

In 2020, during the global lockdown, the re-telecast of Ramayan broke world records for the most-watched entertainment show. The "Index of Ramayan 1987" is frequently searched by a new generation of viewers looking to find specific moral lessons, iconic dialogues, or musical sequences (composed by Ravindra Jain) that define the series.

Whether you are watching for spiritual growth or cinematic history, this episode guide serves as a map through the most influential television program in Indian history.

Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987) is a landmark in Indian television history, originally consisting of 78 episodes that aired from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. The series is primarily based on Valmiki’s Ramayan and Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, but also draws from various regional versions like the Tamil Kamba Ramayanam and Bengali Krutivas Ramayan. Episode Index & Major Milestones

The series can be categorized into several key phases of the epic:

Bal Kand (Episodes 1–11): Covers the birth of Shri Ram, his education in Gurukul, the killing of Taraka, and the iconic Sita Swayamvara followed by their marriage.

Ayodhya Kand (Episodes 12–26): Focuses on the preparation for Ram's coronation, Manthara's poisoning of Kaikeyi’s mind, and the subsequent 14-year exile (Vanvas). It concludes with Bharat installing Ram’s sandals (Paduka) on the throne.

Aranya Kand (Episodes 27–34): Details the life of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman in the forest, the encounter with Shurpanakha, and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravan.

Kishkindha Kand (Episodes 35–42): Describes the meeting with Hanuman and the alliance with Sugriv, culminating in the killing of Bali.

Sundar Kand (Episodes 43–48): Highlights Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, his meeting with Sita in Ashok Vatika, and the burning of Lanka (Lanka Dahan).

Lanka Kand (Episodes 49–75): The largest segment covering the construction of Ram Setu, the massive battle between Ram’s army and Ravan’s forces (including the deaths of Kumbhakaran and Indrajit), and the final defeat of Ravan.

Final Chapters (Episodes 76–78): Concludes with Sita’s Agni-pariksha, the return to Ayodhya, and the coronation of Shri Ram. Key Cast Members Arun Govil as Shri Ram Deepika Chikhalia as Sita Sunil Lahri as Lakshman Arvind Trivedi as Ravan Dara Singh as Hanuman Legacy and Impact

, created by Ramanand Sagar, consists of 78 episodes originally aired on Doordarshan. It is broadly divided into several "Kands" (books or chapters) following the structure of the classical epic.

Below is a complete index and breakdown of the series for your post. Series Overview Director/Producer: Ramanand Sagar Original Run: July 31, 1988 Total Episodes: 78 (Main series) + 39 (Luv Kush/Uttara Ramayan) Lead Cast:

Arun Govil (Ram), Deepika Chikhalia (Sita), Sunil Lahri (Lakshman), Dara Singh (Hanuman), and Arvind Trivedi (Ravana). Detailed Episode Index (By Major Arc) 1. Bal Kand (Episodes 1–15) Birth of Rama and his brothers. Protection of Vishwamitra’s Yajna and slaying of Tadaka. The deliverance of Ahilya. Key Event: Sita Swayamvar and the breaking of the Shiva Dhanush. 2. Ayodhya Kand (Episodes 16–30) Preparations for Rama's coronation. Manthara’s manipulation of Queen Kaikeyi. The two boons and Rama’s 14-year exile (Vanvas). Death of King Dasharatha. Key Event:

Bharat’s refusal of the throne and the "Paduka" (sandals) ceremony at Chitrakoot. 3. Aranya Kand (Episodes 31–41) Life in the forest and the meeting with sages. The encounter with Shurpanakha. The slaying of Khar and Dushan. Key Event:

The Golden Deer (Maricha) and the abduction of Sita by Ravana. 4. Kishkindha Kand (Episodes 42–51) Rama meets Hanuman and Sugriva. The alliance between Rama and the Vanar Sena. The slaying of Vali and the coronation of Sugriva. Key Event: The search for Sita begins in all four directions. 5. Sundar Kand (Episodes 52–58) Hanuman’s leap across the ocean to Lanka. Meeting Sita in Ashoka Vatika. The burning of Lanka. Key Event:

Hanuman returns with Sita's "Chudamani" (jewel) as proof of her safety. 6. Yuddha Kand / Lanka Kand (Episodes 59–78) Construction of the Ram Setu bridge. Angad’s peace mission to Ravana’s court.

The Great War: The fall of Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, and Ravana. Sita’s Agni Pariksha. Key Event:

The return to Ayodhya and the coronation of Rama (Ram Rajya). Bonus: Luv Kush (Uttara Ramayan) Following the main 78 episodes, a follow-up series of 39 episodes was produced covering: Sita’s exile to Valmiki’s Ashram. The birth and upbringing of Luv and Kush. The Ashwamedha Yajna. The final departure of Rama and Sita. detailed summary of a specific episode or arc for your post?

Three key findings emerge from the index:

We constructed the index using the following principles: