Rawana in Indian Art

First Online: March 15, 2003
Last Updated: December 07, 2024

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).



Battle of Rama and Rawana
Indian art is full of depictions of Ramayana scenes and characters
Ramayana in Indian Art
Hanuman Meets Rawana
Hanuman Meets Rawana

Jatayu, a bird devotee of Lord Rama is mauled by Rawana
Painting by Ravi Varma, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Collection, Mysore
Death of Jatayu by Ravi Varma

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