Rawana in Indian Art

First Online: March 15, 2003
Last Updated: August 20, 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).



Rawana approaches Sita in the garb of mendicant
Kidnapping of Sita
Rawana in Indian Art
Ten Headed Rawana
Detail from a Kavi Art mural, Southwest India

Killing of Jatayu Bird
Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi
Rawana Kills Jatayu
Sculpture from Khetapai Narayan Temple
Hanuman Meets Rawana, Bhatkal Temple Sculpture
Notice the multiple faces of the king and Hanuman using his tail to make seat higher than the king

Hanuman Meets Rawana
Hanuman Meets Rawana

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