Disclaimer: liberal usage of Occam's razor here. Raama is no longer the supreme vishnu here.. He is young prince who did something stupendous.
Journey of Raama in during his exile
There are various races described by valmiki in his treatise. Manavas, vanaras, devas, gandharvas, rakshasas, asuras, daityas, yavans, hunas and what not.. Now, instead of taking literal meaning of the terms, one has to understand that Manavas are not human beings here, but descendants of Manu. Rakshasas literally mean "the Protectors". The negative connotations to the word rakshasa is later in origin, IMHO. Vanaras is the power-block in Deccan region (the Krishna Godavari region) with the headquarters somewhere in Karnataka and alternative power-seat (sugriva's exile) near Hampi in Karnataka.
From descriptions of Vanaras, they appear to be technologically superior to Manavas and almost comparable to Rakshasas.. They can speak grammatically correct "BHasha" (Sanskrit), well versed in Vedas (or was it just Hanuman), ability to build make-shift bridges, ability to fly (although not flawlessly like Rakshasas). The only faction which has defeated Rakshasas (Vaali defeating Ravana). Currently in state of anarchy with fight between two brothers for throne.
Rakshasas are the power block from Kaveri river basin and Lanka. Headquarters on the island of Lanka. They have their colonies in various places in Central and North India (Western MH and Marathwada where divisions of Rakshasa army is placed under generals Khara and Dushana). This army maintains a colony in modern day western MH-Marathwada region with headquarters at Janasthaan (modern day Aurangabad) near Pratisthaana (modern day Paithan and later capital of Saatavhanas). this has led to many historians suggest that elephanta island near Mumbai is real Lanka. anyways, there are many suggestions by many "Eminent historians" about site of Lanka. But tradition, Valmiki and primary sources are clear about Sri Lanka as actual Lanka. Nonetheless, this region was held by Rakshasas.
Controlling Kalyan region (which is known ancient port of India) suggests Rakshasa's attempt to control western trade. Being from Kaveri basin, they have been inevitably linked to maritime ventures and trade. Furthermore, they are known to maintain an airforce. Vanaras although control part of Konkan and Malabar coast, are not suggested to be interested in holding any territory outside Deccan. It is possible that Rakshasas controlled considerable region of Konkan from Bharuch downwards. Bharuch (known as Bhrigu Kachchapa) was the place from where Bali was dispatched to Patala.
Manavas (descendants of Manu) seem to be vulnerable faction of all three. numerous kingdoms of manavas existed from Gandhar to Bengal and MP. There is no description of any bridge or any attempt to build a bridge over ganga or yamuna or sindhu river. Rama used the services of a "Kevata" to cross Ganga.
A separate faction which is mandatory here to mention is the faction of Sages (Rishis). Now Rishis (intellectuals, professors, scientists, poets, researchers, spiritually awakened individuals) are the upholders of Dharma. They are known to motivate and enable and mobilize various forces keeping in mind the long term goal of Dharma's protection. Here, Vishwamitra gave Raama all sorts of weapons which are not possessed by any Maanava. It is primarily because of these weapons that Rama defeated such huge adversaries. Of course, OTOH, Vishwamitra gave Rama these weapons because he was suitable and Dharmik.
Furthermore, one has to look in context of Parashurama's cleansing. Ikshwaku lineage was spared by Parashurama. This kshatriya culling is one of the reason of vulnerability of Manavas. Furthermore, Rama had proved himself to be successor of Parashurama by breaking both shiva dhanushya and Vishnudhanushya, thereby reducing the role of Parashurama as mere sanyasi teacher. There is some symbolism in making Rama break both dhanushyas (which are considered invincible).
Marriage (at age of 17-18). By age of 17, he got all the weapons from Vishwamitra, had killed Subahu and injured Maarich, killed Tratika, liberated Ahilya, broken both dhanushyas, dispatched Parashurama to sanyasa. Thus he was set to be one of the interesting figures to watch and follow. He was set to do something stupendous in his life.
Continued to Part 2
