The Ancient Chronicles of Ravana: History Lost in Time – By Bhanuka – eLanka
Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, often remembered through the lens of myth and epic tales, is to me far more than a character in a story. I believe in Ravana not as a villain but as a visionary, a great ruler, a learned scholar, and a powerful force in ancient history whose real legacy has been distorted over time. When I hear his name, I don’t think of him as a demon king, but as a symbol of lost greatness and the richness of a forgotten civilization. I am proud of Ravana, proud to believe in his truth, and proud to stand for a history that demands rediscovery and respect.
Ravana’s story is mostly known through the Ramayana, where he is portrayed as the antagonist, the one who abducts Sita and wages war with Rama. But what if there is more to the story than what we’ve been told? What if Ravana’s legacy was intentionally misunderstood, reshaped to serve other narratives, and the real man behind the myth has been buried under centuries of biased retelling? Many Sri Lankans believe this, and so do I. Ravana was not just a king—he was a genius, a devotee of Lord Shiva, a master of Ayurveda, music, and astronomy, and a ruler who elevated Lanka to one of the most advanced civilizations of its time.
Ancient texts and local legends speak of his immense knowledge. Ravana was believed to have written several important treatises, including the “Ravana Samhita,” a scripture on astrology, and “Arka Prakasha,” which discusses Ayurveda and herbal medicine. His intellect was not ordinary; it was divine in its depth and range. He mastered the Vedas and was considered one of the greatest scholars of his age. This does not sound like the character of a simple villain. Instead, this is a profile of a brilliant and multifaceted leader whose contributions to science and spirituality were far ahead of his time.
The kingdom of Lanka, under Ravana’s rule, was said to be a land of prosperity, technological innovation, and spiritual elevation. Ancient records describe a floating palace known as “Pushpaka Vimana,” an aircraft that Ravana supposedly used, suggesting a level of technological advancement that challenges our understanding of the ancient world. Archaeological discoveries in Sri Lanka, including cave inscriptions, ruins, and unexplained structures, raise the possibility that there was once a powerful and highly organized civilization in the island that has not been properly studied or acknowledged.
Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva is another aspect often overlooked. He was not just a king but a deeply spiritual man. His Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn composed in praise of Lord Shiva, is considered one of the most profound expressions of devotion in Hindu literature. Such reverence, intelligence, and spiritual depth are not qualities usually associated with evil. They are qualities of a seeker, a scholar, a leader who lived with purpose. It is this Ravana that I believe in—the Ravana who represents strength, knowledge, and deep cultural pride.
As a Sri Lankan, I am proud to associate my heritage with Ravana. I see him as a national figure, a symbol of our ancient roots, our innovation, and our resistance. In a world where history is often written by the victors, Ravana’s tale reminds us to look deeper, to question, and to reclaim our narratives. His demonization in foreign texts may serve certain purposes, but it cannot erase the deep admiration that many still hold for him across the island.
What is painful is that much of Ravana’s legacy has been lost in time. Whether through the ravages of colonialism, cultural invasion, or the deliberate suppression of native knowledge systems, we have allowed his memory to fade into caricature. Yet there are signs—scattered scripts, oral traditions, ancient songs, and regional pride—that keep his flame alive. Temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to Ravana, rock inscriptions, and traditional stories passed down through generations speak of a leader who was much more than the myths suggest.
I believe the time has come to revisit Ravana’s history, not with blind faith, but with curiosity, scholarship, and a sense of justice. We must invest in uncovering the archaeological, literary, and cultural records that still lie hidden across Sri Lanka. We must encourage the younger generation to question what they have been taught and to explore the depths of their cultural identity. In doing so, we will not only honor Ravana’s memory but also rediscover the brilliance of an ancient civilization that once flourished in these lands.
To believe in Ravana is to believe in the possibility that our past holds truths yet to be acknowledged. It is to take pride in the fact that our ancestors lived in a time of knowledge and power. It is to stand up against the oversimplified narratives and see complexity where others see black and white. I do not worship Ravana, but I respect him, I believe in his greatness, and I see in him a reflection of a culture that deserves to be remembered with dignity.
Ravana’s history is not just his—it is ours. It is a part of our national memory and our spiritual identity. The lost chronicles of Ravana must be reclaimed, retold, and celebrated. Because in telling his story, we also tell the story of Sri Lanka—of its resilience, wisdom, and unwavering spirit. Ravana, to me, is not a villain of ancient epics. He is a hero of lost history, a king of unmatched intellect, and a proud symbol of my heritage.
