This lithograph is believed to have been made from one of Ravi Varma's last paintings, before his death in 1906, and one of the few to refer to violence. Jatayu's death is one of the moments in the episode about the abduction of Sita, from the epic Ramayana. The Jatayu bird appears to Sita's aid, but is attacked by Ravana, who severely wounds him with his sword. Jatayu is unable to defend Sita, but before he dies he warns Rama of the kidnapping.
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