The Hindu epic of Ramayana is incomplete without its main antagonist, Raavan. The eldest son of sage Vishrava and Kaikasi, he was the 'demon' king of Lanka who abducted Sita, Ram's wife, and held her hostage in Ashok Vatika. Raavan was slain on the battlefield by Ram, who came to rescue his wife.

Mahisasur, like Raavan, is also considered a deceitful demon who was defeated by Goddess Durga. The killing of Raavan and Mahisasur is marked by the festival of Dussehra, celebrated as the triumph of ‘good over evil’. But were they only villains as portrayed in Hindu mythology?

Raavan in many narratives was a wise scholar, powerful ruler and warrior, and was respected by many sections of society. He was considered a Brahmin and also an Adivasi icon. In many areas of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Bengal, and southern India, tribal communities celebrate the martyrdom of Raavan as well as Mahishasur.

In Outlook’s latest magazine issue, we take a look at the many representations of Raavan and Mahisasur among various communities.

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