The Mahabharata and the Ramayana, two examples of great epics of India and South Asia, are foundational texts in Indian literature and culture. They are renowned for their rich storytelling, moral teachings, and philosophical depth. These epics have been passed down through oral tradition for centuries before being transcribed into written form, and they have also inspired countless adaptations, interpretations, and translations across different cultures and languages.  French travelers, administrators, missionaries and scholars in India were among those who sought out and collected manuscripts of Indian epics. Triggered by its obsession to compete with Great Britain, France also translated Indian epics into French. An example is Abbé Parraud's 1787 re-translation of Charles Wilkins’ English translation of the Bhagavad Gita.

Indian legends encompass a vast array of traditional narratives, myths, and folk tales that have been passed down through generations orally and later transcribed into written form. These legends often feature a mix of historical events, cultural beliefs, and fantastical elements, serving as a repository of India's rich cultural heritage.