Object 14: Hanuman
Object Number: VRM9301
Dimensions: 131.0 x 61.0 cm
Material: Grey Sandstone
Find Location: Rajshahi, Rajshahi District, Bangladesh
Date: 12th-13th Centuries CE
The Ramayana is one of the most famous literary works to emerge from South Asia. It tells the epic story of the exile of Prince Rama, the rightful heir to the throne of his father King Dasharatha. Rama and his wife Sita are joined during their banishment in a forest by Rama’s loyal brother Lakshmana. They encounter many demons, including Shurpanakha, sister of Ravana - the ten-headed king of Lanka. Ravana ends up deceiving Rama and kidnapping Sita and taking her to Lanka. When Rama and Lakshmana set out to rescue Sita, they meet Hanuman, the monkey warrior. Hanuman uses his powers to fly across to Lanka and discover where Sita is being imprisoned. A great battle ensues, Ravana is slayed and Sita and Rama reunited.
The death scene of the powerful monkey King Bali, ruler of Kishkindha, at the hands of Rama within a Kathakali performance of the Ramayana in Kerala, India (Durham UNESCO Chair).
The death scene of the powerful monkey King Bali, ruler of Kishkindha, at the hands of Rama within a Kathakali performance of the Ramayana in Kerala, India (Durham UNESCO Chair).
This sculpture projects the warrior skills and power of Hanuman as he is seen crushing an enemy demon beneath his feet. Depicted with the face of a monkey, Hanuman’s mace is a symbol of his physical strength and role as a protector. The sphere in his other hand has been identified as the mountain of Dunagiri. In the Ramayana, Hanuman is tasked with finding herbs to cure the severe wounds of Lakshmana, unable to identify the specific herb needed, Hanuman uses his immense strength to lift the whole Himalayan mountain and carry it to the battlefield.
Sculpture of Hanuman (VRM9301).
Sculpture of Hanuman (VRM9301).
Across South and Southeast Asia, many physical locations have been attributed to places and events within the Ramayana. For example, many believe Ravana’s Lanka is the island of Sri Lanka, while some local communities suggest that the ruins of Sitakot, in Dinajpur District, mark the remains of Sita’s forest residence.
The site of Sitakot Vihara, Dinajpur District, Bangladesh. Local traditions identify this ruined Pala Monastery as the remains of Sita’s residence in the forest (Durham UNESCO Chair).
The site of Sitakot Vihara, Dinajpur District, Bangladesh. Local traditions identify this ruined Pala Monastery as the remains of Sita’s residence in the forest (Durham UNESCO Chair).
Built with Shorthand