After scrolling through the titles on JioHotstar, you might have come across prominent Hindi epics such as Legend of Hanuman, Mahabharata (Star Plus), Ramayana, Siva, Siva II, and many more, tucked under the category of “Mythology.” While some viewers may not mind this, for others, especially those who grew up with these narratives as a core part of their culture and spiritual identity, this classification can feel heartbreaking, even offensive.
It naturally raises an important question: Why is a sacred and historical tradition being treated as a collection of mere myths or fables?
This scenario becomes clearer when we expand our understanding of cultural and linguistic distinctions, specifically, the difference between terms like “mythology” and “Itihasa (history).”
In the West, the word “myth” (from the Greek mythos, meaning “story”) has evolved into a term often synonymous with “fiction” or “untrue.” Mythology, therefore, is seen as a genre of folklore filled with gods, heroes, and fantastical events that, while culturally significant, are not considered factual history.
This Western framing is the lens through which many homegrown streaming platforms in India, heavily influenced by international categorization, view and label these narratives.
However, in the Hindu tradition, the epics are called Itihasa, a word that translates to “thus it happened.” These are not fictional stories but historical accounts, intertwined with philosophical, moral, and divine teachings.
By labelling these stories as “mythology,” platforms risk reducing them to mere folklore, subtly stripping them of their historical and spiritual weight.
The real issue here is a lack of cultural nuance. A simple fix would be to remove the “mythology” label and reclassify these titles under more culturally sensitive categories.
There’s no denying that OTT platforms like JioHotstar have revolutionized the way people consume entertainment. However, with that influence comes a responsibility: to remain sensitive to the cultural contexts in which they operate.
The solution is simple: update the category to one that respects the Itihasa of these texts. This minor adjustment would not only demonstrate cultural awareness but also build greater trust with audiences who deeply value their heritage. Stay tuned for more updates.
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