The Mutilation of Shurpanakha
Title
The Mutilation of Shurpanakha
Date
19th Century
Context
India, Kishangarh
Indian
Medium/Dimensions
Opaque watercolor and ink on paper
Image: 16 1/8 x 11 1/8 in. (41 x 28.3 cm)
Object Number
2013.011.002
Description
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
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
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Exhibits/Publications
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, April 1 - October 27, 2014
Rights
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Bruce M. White, 2015.
This image is provided by the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University, who retains all rights in it. This image is made available for limited non-commercial, educational, and personal use only, or for fair use as defined by United States law. For all other uses, please contact the Michael C. Carlos Museum Office of Collections Services at +1(404) 727-4282 or mccm.collections.services@emory.edu. Users must cite the author and source of the image as they would material from any printed work, but not in any way that implies endorsement of the user or the user's use of the image. Users may not remove any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices, including without limitation attribution information, credits, and copyright notices that have been placed on or near the image by the Museum. The Museum assumes no responsibility for royalties or fees claimed by the artist or third parties. The User agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Emory University, its Michael C. Carlos Museum, its agents, employees, faculty members, students and trustees from and against any and all claims, losses, actions, damages, expenses, and all other liabilities, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, directly or indirectly arising out of or resulting from its use of photographic images for which permission is granted hereunder.
On View
No
Citation
“The Mutilation of Shurpanakha,” Michael C. Carlos Museum Collections Online, accessed December 7, 2024, https://digitalprojects.carlos.emory.edu/items/show/6846.
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