Itihasa
(इतिहास)Literal Meaning
Thus indeed it was
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
'Iti ha asa' (thus indeed it was); the genre comprising the Ramayana and Mahabharata, regarded as historical-devotional epics rather than pure myth — narrative scripture teaching dharma through the lives of real, larger-than-life figures.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Calling the epics itihasa rather than pure story elevates them to a special status — history charged with moral instruction, meant to be lived by and not just enjoyed.