This chintz banner made in India for export to Indonesia shows a dramatic scene from the Indian epic the Ramayana. This battle scene occurs towards the end of the story, and shows the hero-prince Rama fighting Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka who has kidnapped Rama’s wife. Composed over two thousand years ago, the Ramayana is popular throughout south and southeast Asia.

Scroll down to learn more about the key characters!

Rama, the hero-prince of the story, is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is exiled from his kingdom, with his wife and brother. For many years the trio travel through the forests of India.   

On this banner, Rama confronts the enemy who has kidnapped his wife. He is backed by his brother, armies of monkeys and bears, and his devotee, Hanuman. After winning the battle, Rama returns to his home where he is made king, and his wife Sita is made queen.   

Rama’s enemy, Ravana, the king of Lanka, provokes the battle by kidnapping Rama’s wife and taking her to Lanka.

Ravana is recognizable by his ten heads, ten sets of arms, and the trident he aims at Rama. Ravana was made immortal, but Rama destroyed him by shooting at his navel, his only vulnerable area. The chintz painters placed a flower on Ravana’s navel that matches Rama’s arrowhead, to convey the conquest.   

Lakshmana, loyal brother of Rama, joins his brother and sister-in-law in exile. Here he stands behind Rama, holding a smaller bow and quiver.       

During the battle, Lakshmana is injured and can only be saved by special herbs found on the Himalayas. Unable to find the herbs, Hanuman brings back the entire mountain, saving Lakshmana and the other fallen soldiers.  This event is referenced in the banner by monkeys carrying triangular objects.   

Hanuman—a monkey—meets Rama on his travels and becomes his devotee.    

Hanuman offers crucial help in rescuing Rama’s kidnapped wife, Sita. He flies across the ocean to locate the exact place where she is imprisoned. Hanuman also sets fire to the palace in Lanka, drawing Ravana onto the battlefield.  For his services to Rama and his brother, Hanuman is upheld as a model for all human devotion. 

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