Rāma and Rāvaṇa renew their assaults on each other. The gods have decided that the contest is unequal, since Rāvaṇa is in his chariot while Rāma is on foot, so MÄtali, charioteer of the god Indra, at his master's command brings to Rāma Indra's chariot, with Indra's arms and armour in it (arms only according to the text). As a divine happening, MÄtali's meeting with Rāma is depicted over the horizon. MÄtali drives Rāma (now clad in Indra's golden armour) and Lakṣmaṇa into battle, the chariot's pennant being the solar standard of Mewar. Rāvaṇa in his chariot with its serpent standard advances to meet him. The two exchange furious onslaughts on each other as well as threats, but Rāma's attack, combined with the assaults of the monkeys, prove too much for Rāvaṇa, and his charioteer removes him from the battlefield for a respite, much to his master's fury.
Permissions
Permission required for non-editorial use (inc book and magazine covers). Please contact us
The top left register shows Brahma, Siva and Vishnu following Indra while watching events below where Ravana is surrounded by his demon army. The lower section shows Ravani, Ravana's son, in armour on a horse leading Indra away with his hands bound. The top right shows the gods led by Brahma, approaching Ravana and Ravani to ask for Indra's release
Permissions
Permission required for non-editorial use (inc book and magazine covers). Please contact us