The Mutilation of Shurpanakha

The Mutilation of Shurpanakha

19th Century

India, Kishangarh

Indian

Opaque watercolor and ink on paper

Image: 16 1/8 x 11 1/8 in. (41 x 28.3 cm)

2013.011.002

Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha fell deeply in love with Rama when she encountered him in the forest. Rama, faithful to his wife, Sita, rejected the demoness’s advances and incited Lakshmana to punish her by cutting off her ears and nose. This manuscript illustrates the aftermath of these events. In the upper left, a wounded Shurpanakha, seeking revenge, enlists the help of her brother Khara, flanked by two demons, who leads an army to kill the heroes (center). Below, after Rama directs his brother and wife to seek refuge, Rama valiantly prepares for battle.
This manuscript shows Shurpanakha as a fair-faced, beautiful maiden wearing a sari identical to Sita’s. This depiction contrasts with Valmiki’s portrayal of her as a hideous-looking demoness and humanizes Shurpanakha, especially in comparison to her animal-faced demon brothers

Museum purchase

MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, April 1 - October 27, 2014

© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Bruce M. White, 2015.

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