They may have existed, but the way these epics are presented it looks like fairy tales a myth. All those flying high in the air including the chariots and the arrows with special power etc. All this look like a story from children's book. that is one reason why the moder people don't believe not only in Ramayana but questions have also been asked at highest level if Christ ever existed. Gandhi is believed in because his evidence is there,but believe him as a mahatma is a false thing to do he was no mahatma. Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Gautama Buddha yes they wre mahatmas but not Gandhi.he was just another freedom fighter. Unfortunately there was no such technology to record the history and existence of Ram and Krishna, that is why the solid proof is not there. Some day I hope all this can be proved the search is on and perhaps some day evidence will also be found. Only time will tell but one thing for sure it will not be in our time.