Shiva Ravananugrahamurti; woman holding a flywhisk; rearing yali

Art Historical Context

This captivating ink and wash drawing from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, around 1800, depicts Shiva in his Ravananugrahamurti—bestowing a boon upon the demon king Ravana from the Ramayana epic. Flanking the divine figure is a graceful woman holding a flywhisk (chauri), a symbol of royal service, and a dynamic rearing yali, the lion-like mythical creature ubiquitous in Indian temple architecture. Rendered on J. Whatman paper watermarked 1798, the folded sheet (16 1/8 × 10 1/16 in. when closed, unfolding to 16 1/8 × 20 1/8 in.) hints at its portability, perhaps as a devotional sketch or patron's commission. Created in the vibrant artistic milieu of Madurai—a hub of Shaivite devotion and Nayaka-era temple arts—this work exemplifies South Indian iconography, where Shiva's compassionate aspect underscores themes of grace amid cosmic drama. The use of European paper, imported via British trade, reflects early colonial exchanges, blending local mastery of fluid ink lines and subtle washes with Western materials. Such techniques allowed artists to evoke texture and movement with economical precision, bridging sacred tradition and global commerce. Acquired in 2021 by The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art department, this unidentified gem invites visitors to ponder the enduring allure of Hindu mythology and the artistry of Tamil Nadu's painters.

About the Artist

Unidentified ( ) · –