Image title: Children’s Illustrated Ramayana: Figure 43

His mission fulfilled, Hanuman turned his attention to Lanka. Before returning home, he would find out more about the strength of the rakshasas and the secrets of Lanka's defences. After that there would be time too for some mischief.

But while wandering about Lanka Hanuman was caught by the rakshasas and taken to Ravana. Here was a chance for Hanuman to act as Rama's envoy to the court of Ravana.

Hanuman paid tribute to Rama's great valour and piety. Ravana would do well to return Sita to Rama with presents and an apology. Rama would surely forgive him. This good counsel fell on deaf ears. Ravana ordered that Hanuman's tail be set on fire.

When this was done, however, Hanuman escaped and spread the fire all over the city. Soon the whole of Lanka was ablaze.

Gallery information:

These illustrations are from the book called “Children's Illustrated Ramayana” which is an abridged retelling of the Ramayana authored by Vishnu B while the illustrations are by Vipin K. Das.

Note: You can read the full English translation of the Ramayana on this site.

Source: archive.org (external link; opens in new tab).