The fight between Rama and Ravana - a scene from the Ramayana thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

The fight between Rama and Ravana - a scene from the Ramayana

Woodcut
19th century (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A woodcut print with a narrow black border printed with a scrolling white floral design. The depiction is of a battle scene from the Hindu epic, The Ramayana. Ravana the demon king of Lanka with ten heads and arms, stands to the left in front of his chariot, his demon army proceeding left to right in front of him. Rama the epic's hero, sits in his chariot on the right, his monkey army led by Hanuman proceeding right to left in front of him. The monkey army hold rocks and boulders aloft to hurl at the demons. Dismembered body parts lie on the ground. At the bottom right, standing left to right are Jambavan - king of the bears, Lakshman - Rama's brother, and Bibhishan - Ravana's brother.
One charioteer is visible on each vehicle and Rama's charioteer is driving horses. There are five inscriptions at the bottom of the print. The pigments used are red and yellow.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleThe fight between Rama and Ravana - a scene from the Ramayana (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Woodcut print on paper
Brief description
The fight between Rama and Ravana from the Ramayana, with Rama being aided by Hanuman and his monkey army.
Physical description
A woodcut print with a narrow black border printed with a scrolling white floral design. The depiction is of a battle scene from the Hindu epic, The Ramayana. Ravana the demon king of Lanka with ten heads and arms, stands to the left in front of his chariot, his demon army proceeding left to right in front of him. Rama the epic's hero, sits in his chariot on the right, his monkey army led by Hanuman proceeding right to left in front of him. The monkey army hold rocks and boulders aloft to hurl at the demons. Dismembered body parts lie on the ground. At the bottom right, standing left to right are Jambavan - king of the bears, Lakshman - Rama's brother, and Bibhishan - Ravana's brother.
One charioteer is visible on each vehicle and Rama's charioteer is driving horses. There are five inscriptions at the bottom of the print. The pigments used are red and yellow.
Dimensions
  • Height: 27.7cm
  • Width: 38.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
1: 'Ram Ravaner Juddha' 2: 'Sri Madhab Chandra Dasher khudita' 3: 'Jambubhan' 4: 'Lakhan' 5: 'Bibishan' (The inscriptions are in Bengali. The content above is phonetically written.)
Translation
1: The battle of Rama and Ravana 2: Cut by Sri Madhab Chandra Das 3: Jambhavan 4: Lakshmana 5: Vibishana
Subjects depicted
Literary referenceThe Ramayana
Collection
Accession number
E.5516-1904

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Record createdSeptember 1, 2008
Record URL
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