Rakshasa Warrior

Battle of Lanka
West gallery, north wing
Angkor Wat

A rakshasa (man-like demon), a soldier in Ravana's army, attacks one of Rama's monkey warriors. The rakshasa is the central figure, facing left. The monkeys fight with only their fists, teeth, rocks, and stones; their rakshasa opponents wield arrows, swords, and spears. In spite of their disadvantage in firepower, the monkeys usually get the better of the fight, since they know the magic words which will neutralize the enemy's weapons.

Compared to other battle reliefs at Angkor Wat, the Battle of Lanka is much more emotional and unrestrained. The artists were free to portray the unbridled emotions and actions of monkeys, in a way which would not have been suitable for portraying human beings or devas. Even the musculature of the Lanka combatants is emphasized, when compared to the bodies of men and gods on the other reliefs.