Ravana Fights Back
Title
Ravana Fights Back
Date
ca. 1840
Context
India, Jaipur
Medium/Dimensions
Opaque pigments on paper
Image: 8 1/16 x 5 7/8 in.
Sheet: 12 x 8 7/16 in.
Image: 8 1/16 x 5 7/8 in.
Sheet: 12 x 8 7/16 in.
Object Number
L2017.019.001
Description
Besieged in Lanka and on the verge of defeat, Ravana enlists the help of two demon allies, his brother, Kumbhakarna, and the illusionist Kalanemi.
The upper scene depicts Ravana with nine human heads and a tenth donkey head promising the demon Kalanemi half his kingdom if he can defeat Hanuman. The lower scene depicts Ravana supervising his demon soldiers as they sound horns and drums to awaken his indolent giant brother Kumbhakarna from his usual six-month slumber. Both demons are reluctant to fight and are ultimately killed by Rama’s allies.
This painting illustrates Ravana’s desperate attempt to coerce mercenaries, who contrast with the willing heroes fighting with Rama. While Rama is the ideal king, certain of his victory, Ravana stubbornly enlists allies into a war he is doomed to lose.
The ornate border, adorned with flowers and animals, suggests that the painting was created in a workshop in Jaipur. A black Sanskrit inscription below the border corrects the gold label in the top left that misidentifies Kalenemi. This correction may indicate the artist’s unfamiliarity with the Kalanemi narrative, which only occurs in some tellings of the Ramayana.
The upper scene depicts Ravana with nine human heads and a tenth donkey head promising the demon Kalanemi half his kingdom if he can defeat Hanuman. The lower scene depicts Ravana supervising his demon soldiers as they sound horns and drums to awaken his indolent giant brother Kumbhakarna from his usual six-month slumber. Both demons are reluctant to fight and are ultimately killed by Rama’s allies.
This painting illustrates Ravana’s desperate attempt to coerce mercenaries, who contrast with the willing heroes fighting with Rama. While Rama is the ideal king, certain of his victory, Ravana stubbornly enlists allies into a war he is doomed to lose.
The ornate border, adorned with flowers and animals, suggests that the painting was created in a workshop in Jaipur. A black Sanskrit inscription below the border corrects the gold label in the top left that misidentifies Kalenemi. This correction may indicate the artist’s unfamiliarity with the Kalanemi narrative, which only occurs in some tellings of the Ramayana.
Medium
Ink, polychrome pigments, and gold on paper
Original Format
Ink, polychrome pigments, and gold on paper
Physical Dimensions
Image: 8 1/16 x 5 7/8 in.
Sheet: 12 x 8 7/16 in.
Sheet: 12 x 8 7/16 in.
Citation
“Ravana Fights Back,” Michael C. Carlos Museum Collections Online, accessed April 26, 2024, https://digitalprojects.carlos.emory.edu/items/show/9002.
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