Indian · b. -500
Valmiki composed the Ramayana, the epic poem recounting Prince Rama's exile, his wife Sita's abduction by the demon king Ravana, and the war to rescue her. Known as the Adi Kavi, or first poet, Valmiki is credited with inventing the shloka meter that became standard for Sanskrit epic poetry. Legend tells that he was a reformed bandit whom the sage Narada inspired to meditate until an anthill grew around him. The Ramayana established ideals of dharma—righteous duty—that have shaped Indian culture for over two thousand years. Countless retellings, from temple reliefs to television serials, draw on Valmiki's foundational version.