Battle between the Monkeys and Ravana c. 1735

This ink on paper drawing depicts the “Battle between the Monkeys and Ravana.” Though the artist is unknown, the work provides insight into the historical and cultural context of the epic Ramayana. The Ramayana is a Sanskrit epic poem which tells of a struggle between good and evil, centering around the divine prince Rama and his battle against the ten-headed demon king Ravana. This drawing represents a pivotal moment in the epic. The image is filled with dynamic figures locked in combat, with Ravana, distinguished by his multiple heads and arms, leading his forces against the monkey army of Rama. While the characters are divine, the themes of duty, devotion, and the fight against injustice resonate deeply within the human experience. The emotional intensity of the battle, the clash of armies, reflects a deeper, more personal struggle. The image prompts us to consider the roles of heroes and villains and how we each navigate our own battles between opposing forces.