In a grand council chamber, Ravan sits enthroned, surrounded by rakshasa ministers who, with horned and fanged visages, boast about defeating Ram’s forces. Their arrogance fills the court, even as signs of impending doom begin to surface. At the far side, Vibhishan enters with humility, accompanied by virtuous advisors. Urging dharma, he warns Ravan of Ram’s divine power—his voice a calm foil to the bluster of the other generals. The contrast between Vibhishan’s reason and the court’s pride signals the looming fall of Lanka. The golden palace, fortified and adorned with pennants, musicians, and vigilant guards, reflects the Mughal Rajput fusion typical of the Benares school. A companion text in Devanagari script, likely from Yuddha Kand of the Ramcharitmanas, echoes the drama depicted on the front.
