<P> The ancient Sanskrit epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata comprise together the Itihāsa ( `` History '' ) or Mahākāvya ( `` Great Compositions '' ) , a canon of Hindu scripture . Indeed , the epic form prevailed and verse remained until very recently the preferred form of Hindu literary works . Hero - worship was and is a central aspect of Indian culture , and thus readily lent itself to a literary tradition that abounded in epic poetry and literature . The Puranas , a massive collection of verse - form histories of India 's many Hindu gods and goddesses , followed in this tradition . Itihāsas and Purāṇas are mentioned in the Atharva Veda and referred to as the fourth Veda . </P>
<P> The ancient Sanskrit epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata comprise together the Itihāsa ( `` History '' ) or Mahākāvya ( `` Great Compositions '' ) , a canon of Hindu scripture . Indeed , the epic form prevailed and verse remained until very recently the preferred form of Hindu literary works . Hero - worship was and is a central aspect of Indian culture , and thus readily lent itself to a literary tradition that abounded in epic poetry and literature . The Puranas , a massive collection of verse - form histories of India 's many Hindu gods and goddesses , followed in this tradition . Itihāsas and Purāṇas are mentioned in the Atharva Veda and referred to as the fourth Veda . </P>
what are the two great epics of india
what are the two great epics of india
Ramayana Mahabharata
Ramayana Mahabharata