Battle of Ravana and Jatayu, from Chapters 50 and 51 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of Valmiki's Ramayana (Rama’s Journey); folio from the "Burnt" Ramayana
c. 1605
Maker Unknown
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Battle of Ravana and Jatayu, from Chapters 50 and 51 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of Valmiki's Ramayana (Rama’s Journey); folio from the "Burnt" Ramayana, c. 1605. Central India, Bundelkhand Region, Madhya Pradesh, Rajput Kingdom of Datia, Court of Raja Bir Singh Deo (reigned 1605–27). Gum tempera and ink on paper; painting: 26.1 x 15.6 cm (10 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection 2013.306 This page is from a series known as the “Burnt Ramayana,” since it was damaged by fire.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Painting
- Formatted Medium
- Gum tempera and ink on paper
- Dimensions
- Painting: 26.1 x 15.6 cm (10 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.)
- Inscribed
- Inscription: [[verso, text of Battle of Ravana and Jatayu: Sanskrit text in devanagari script]]: Now [an extraordinary fight ensued] there between the vulture [Jatayu] and the demon [Ravana], quite violent [as if] between two great, winged mountains. With sharp [arrows, broad-headed and made of iron] and spears too, [that immensely powerful demon] forcefully showered [the King of Vultures]. In the course of battle that vulture, Jatayu, Lord of Birds, [confronted] that mass of arrows [the weapons of Ravana], and then he, [that vulture], like a mountain shaken about [fell backward], and with his talons dragged him [Ravana] down, overcome by anger. And that immensely powerful Lord of Birds instantly made his [Ravana’s] limbs bloodied with his sharply taloned feet. Then, Ravana [in a rage] pierced the King of Vultures in battle with [three direct arrows], frightful and swift. And after, he took up his other dreaded arrows on reserve, [with their arrowheads straight]. Each one resembled Death’s staff, [crushing insolence in] enemies. That immensely powerful, mighty demon pierced the [the bird’s body] with [perfectly sharp], golden-feathered arrows . . . . Without even taking those arrows into account, that enraged bird launched himself at Ravana. [Flying upward and then rushing down], raising his wings overhead, he battered [Ravana] with those feathered limbs. [Then, that Lord of Birds, energy blazing, splintered] with his claws [Ravana’s] bow and arrows, adorned with gems and pearls. And that Lord of Birds [splintered] also those very arrows shot [by Ravana]. Then, that immensely powerful [Indra of Birds] [over and over again, pecked at Ravana’s divine crown] made of gold and glittering with every jewel, and [being full of rage, hurled] it through the sky. Like the sun’s halo, it glistened as it sank. [That bird] struck down the asses, with their golden chest armor and devilish [pishacha] faces, and yanking them about, [instantly deprived them of breath]. He [smashed] the fearsomely huge chariot, which flies upon a wish, ornamented from wheel to pole, [each part arrayed in gold] and jewels. Tearing the charioteer from the chariot, [that Lord of Birds], with talons [that seemed like elephant goads, quickly shred him], then tossed him away. Ravana, his bow broken, chariot done with, [his asses killed, his charioteer slain,] fell to the ground, holding Vaidehi [in the crook of his arm]. Seeing Ravana fallen to the ground, his chariot smashed, all the other creatures celebrated the King of Vultures, crying—“Well done, well done!” [And the gods and sages] were amazed when they saw [Ravana, the destroyer of pride among enemy armies,] who was never defeated [by the gods and demons] on the front lines, defeated now [by the best of birds]. Then the denizens of the heavens praised that best of birds—“O excellent one, you have accomplished a difficult task!” The venerable King of Birds, who was extolled, became resolute and once again endured battle.
- Departments
- Indian and Southeast Asian Art
- Accession Number
- 2013.306
- Credit Line
- Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection
- Exhibitions
- The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe
- Rights Statement
- CC0
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