Rawana in Indian Art
First Online: August 15, 1997
Last Updated: September 02, 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).
 Women Grieving Rawana's Fall |  |
 |  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 |
Killing of Jatayu Bird Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi |  |
 | 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. |
Hanuman Fights King Rawana's Army 18th Century Mysore Traditional Art. Ramayana War in Indian Art |  |
 | Rawana on a Throne |
Ten Headed, Twenty Armed King Rawana Detail from a Kavi Art mural, Sri Rama Mandir, Honavar |  |
 | Idol of Ten Headed Rawana Rawana, the king of Sri Lanka |
Jatayu, a bird devotee of Lord Rama is mauled by Rawana Painting by Ravi Varma, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Collection, Mysore |  |
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
- Ten Headed, Twenty Armed King Rawana
- Ten Headed Rawana as Devotee of Lord Shiva
- 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
