https://emuseum.cornell.edu/internal/media/dispatcher/116991/fullHanuman meets Sita in Lanka and shows her Rama's ring, from the Ramayanamid-20th centuryFrame: 17 5/8 × 26 1/4 inches (44.8 × 66.7 cm)Ink and colors on clothGift of Heimun Miksic and John Norman Miksic, MA 1976, PhD 19792026.017.0110Paintings26773653718Indonesia, Bali, KamasanHaving learned of Sita’s whereabouts, Hanuman flew across the sea to the island kingdom of Lanka, where he reached Ravana’s palace. There he finally found Sita, guarded by female demons, who were coercing her to become Ravana’s wife. Secretly meeting with her, Hanuman showed Rama’s ring to Sita, and told her of Rama’s mission to rescue her, which gave her courage. But news of Hanuman’s presence reached Ravana, and he sent his son Indrajit to capture the monkey general.
Tied and chained, Hanuman was brought before Ravana and warned him of dire consequences lest he refuse to release Sita to Rama. This enraged Ravana, and although by the codes of war, the messenger could not be killed, he ordered Hanuman’s tail to be set on fire before he was sent away. By now irate, Hanuman disentangled himself from his shackles and with giant leaps used his tail to set fire to the whole of Lanka before finally departing back across the waters, where he was able to relate the good tidings of Sita’s safety to Rama and Lakshmana.
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