Ramayana was composed before Mahabharata
probably it was written between 400-200 BCE.
i hope it will be helpful

Introduction:
The question is about determining which epic, Ramayana or Mahabharata, was composed first. Both epics are revered in Hindu mythology and have had a significant influence on Indian culture and literature. To answer this question, we need to examine the historical context and available evidence.

Ramayana:
- Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic attributed to the sage Valmiki.
- It tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and their journey through various trials and tribulations.
- The epic consists of around 24,000 verses and is divided into seven books or Kandas.
- Valmiki is believed to have composed Ramayana around the 5th century BCE, although some sources suggest it could be even older.

Mahabharata:
- Mahabharata is another ancient Hindu epic, attributed to the sage Vyasa.
- It narrates the story of the Kuru dynasty, focusing on the conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
- The epic is much larger than Ramayana, with over 100,000 verses and multiple sub-stories.
- The composition of Mahabharata is estimated to have occurred between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE.

Evidence:
- The dating of these epics is based on various factors such as archaeological evidence, linguistic analysis, and historical references.
- The earliest references to Ramayana can be found in the Jataka tales, Buddhist literature dating back to the 5th century BCE.
- The Ramayana is also mentioned in the Mahabharata itself, suggesting that it was already a well-known epic by that time.
- The dating of Mahabharata is more complex as it incorporates elements from different time periods.
- However, the historical events mentioned in the Mahabharata, such as the Kurukshetra war, have been linked to the late Vedic period (around 1000 BCE).
- Additionally, the archaeological site of Hastinapura, mentioned in the Mahabharata, has been identified with modern-day Delhi and dates back to the 8th century BCE.

Conclusion:
Based on the available evidence, it can be concluded that Ramayana was composed earlier than Mahabharata. While Ramayana is believed to have been composed around the 5th century BCE, Mahabharata is estimated to have been composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE. However, it is important to note that these dates are approximate, and the exact chronology of the epics is still a subject of debate among scholars.