Rawana in Indian Art
First Online: March 15, 2003
Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Introduction
Rawana (a.k.a. Ravana) is the king of Sri Lanka during the period in which the story of Ramayana unfolds. He is characterized by ten heads in the Indian mythologies, and hence a great source of inspiration for the artists. As you will see in this exhibition, the Indian artists over the centuries have given the ten headed king, numerous other characteristics (like only one neck, twenty hands, as a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and as cruel bird killer).
 Sita Stops Rawana |  |
 |  Depiction of Ten Headed Rawana Detail from a dilapitated Sibi temple painting, Sibi |
Battle of Rama and Rawana |  |
 | Killing of Jatayu Bird Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi |
Idol of Ten Headed Rawana Rawana, the king of Sri Lanka |  |
 | Idol of Rawanasura Icon from Veerabhadra temple, Rayachoti town in Cuddapah District. The festivities of this temple involve parading the icon on top of different animals like bull, elephant etc. |
Rawana on a Throne |  |
 | Duel of Rawana and Sugreeva Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi |
Table of Contents
- The Battle of Ramayana
- Battle of Rama and Rawana
- Depiction of Ten Headed Rawana
- Duel of Rawana and Sugreeva
- Hanuman Meets Rawana, Bhatkal Temple Sculpture
- Hindu Mythological Figure Rawana, Leather Puppet
- Idol of Ten Headed Rawana
- Jatayu, a bird devotee of Lord Rama is mauled by Rawana
- Rawana from a Sibi Temple Painting
- Ten Headed Rawana as Devotee of Lord Shiva
- Ten Headed Rawana
- Ten Headed, Twenty Armed King Rawana
- Victory of Meghanada by Raja Ravi Varma
See Also:
- Hanuman, the Son of Wind God
- Ramachandra -- the perfect man and a perfect king
- Who's Who of Ramayana -- Learn about some of the important characters of Ramayana epic. You can find how they are related to each other by clicking the red hyperlinks
