Hampi is a place where every rock, every stone has a tale to tell. And some have more than one! Depicted here is one such story carved on the walls of Hazara Rama Temple in the Royal Enclosure, Hampi.
Before breakout of the war between Lord Ram and Lankapathi Ravan, Lord Ram wanted to give one last chance to peace. He decided to spend Prince Angad (also spelt Angada) as his Messenger to Ravana’s court for talks. Angada was a choice for several reasons – first, he was the crown prince of Kishkindha and royal lineage, second – he was son of King Vali who was once Ravana’s friend, third – though not as strong as Lord Hanuman, Angada was very powerful and a fierce warrior and fourth – Angada was knowledgeable in Diplomacy.
When Angada approached Ravana in his court, he was welcomed as a friend’s son and invited by Ravana to join forces with Lanka to fight against Lord Rama. Ravana also reminded Angada of friendship between him and Angada’s father Vali. Angada refused to part with Lord Rama and side with adharna. Ravana gets furious and does not even offer a seat to Angada. Angada curled his tail and made a seat as tall as Ravana’s throne and sits atop meeting Ravana eye-to-eye and reminds Ravana that a messenger, a Diplomat from another King should be given the respect a Diplomat deserves even at times of war.
Ravana and his courtiers make fun of and ridicule the monkey army with whose support Lord Rama is waging war on mighty Lankan Empire. Angada furiously stomps his foot on the ground and challenges if any warrior of Lankan Army can make it move. Many great and powerful warriors try to dislocate Angada’s foot but fail miserably.
When all the courtiers give up, Ravana himself gets up from his throne and starts walking towards Angada to take on Angada’s challenge. The moment Ravana bends down, Angada moves his feet and with respect tells Ravana that he is elder and Angada’s father Vali’s friend so it would be inappropriate for Ravana to touch Angada’s feet. Angada also advices that if Ravana really wants to touch someone’s feet, he should touch Lord Rama’s feet, seek his forgiveness and return Sita Devi.
This is the earliest recorded Diplomacy lesson in Indian scripts. Seen here is the beautiful carving on stone found on the walls of Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi depicting the scene where Angada curls his tail and sits on it.
No responses yet