Which traditional Indian performance, based on episodes from the Ramayana, has been proclaimed by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge about UNESCO recognitions related to India s cultural heritage. UNESCO identifies certain traditions as masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. The question asks which traditional performance related to the Ramayana has been granted this status.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The recognition is by UNESCO for oral and intangible heritage.
• The tradition is based on episodes from the Ramayana.
• The options list various cultural and religious names or performances.
• We assume awareness that the Ram Lila is a dramatized re enactment of the life of Lord Rama.

Concept / Approach:
The core idea is to link the description of a traditional performance based on the Ramayana with the name of that performance. Ram Lila is the widely known folk theatre style in North India where scenes from the Ramayana are enacted, often in the open air over several days. UNESCO has recognised certain regional forms of Ram Lila as masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which of the options clearly refers to a dramatic re enactment of the Ramayana. Step 2: Recognise that Ram Lila literally means the play or divine sport of Rama and is performed during the festival of Dussehra in many parts of India. Step 3: Recall that UNESCO included traditional Ram Lila performances in its list of masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage. Step 4: Check that the other options do not match this definition as directly. Step 5: Select Ram Lila as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to recall standard general knowledge facts about UNESCO recognitions in India. These lists often mention Ram Lila specifically as a theatrical form of the Ramayana that has earned international recognition. Not every Hindu text or practice is recognised in this way, which helps narrow down the choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Parana is not a standard term used for a UNESCO recognised Ramayana based performance in mainstream general knowledge. Geeta recitation refers generally to reciting verses from the Bhagavad Gita and is not described by UNESCO under this specific title. Mahabharata Kathakali may sound plausible but it combines the great epic Mahabharata with the dance drama form Kathakali, and this is not how UNESCO describes the specific Ramayana based intangible heritage recognition. Raslila is associated with the life of Lord Krishna and not with Ramayana stories.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is confusing different religious and cultural performances and assuming that any well known devotional practice has UNESCO recognition. Another is ignoring the clue that the performance is based on the Ramayana. Candidates should focus on the keyword Ram and performance tradition to arrive at the correct option.

Final Answer:
The tradition recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity is Ram Lila.