Why Ravana’s Lanka Was More Progressive Than Modern India

For centuries, Ravana has been demonized in Indian mythology as the ultimate villain. But what if we told you that his kingdom, Lanka, was in many ways more progressive than modern India? While Indians today grapple with issues like women’s safety, corruption, caste discrimination, and economic disparity, Lanka despite being ruled by the so-called ‘demon king’ thrived as a utopian society.


Unlike India, where caste and nepotism still influence opportunities, Lanka was a kingdom that valued knowledge and skill above all. Ravana himself was a Brahma Jnani, a great scholar, and a Shiva devotee who mastered all four Vedas and six Shastras. He appointed ministers and warriors based on their abilities, not their birth status. In contrast, India today still battles nepotism in politics, Bollywood, and corporate sectors, where surnames often matter more than talent.

It’s ironic that in Ravana’s Lanka, a kidnapped woman (Sita) remained untouched, while in India, women face harassment and assault daily even in broad daylight. Ravana, despite being portrayed as a villain, had a strict moral code. He vowed not to touch Sita without her consent, something that many modern Indian men fail to respect. While India struggles with issues of gender violence, Lanka ensured the safety of women even those who were prisoners.


Modern India is riddled with unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality. But Lanka, under Ravana, was described as a land made of gold—both figuratively and literally. With advanced trade systems, technological innovations, and architectural marvels, it was an economic superpower. Ravana ensured prosperity for all, unlike today’s India, where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, and poverty still haunts millions.


Ravana was not just a king but also a scientist. He had knowledge of aviation (Pushpaka Vimana), medicine (Ayurveda), and energy systems that surpassed modern understanding. His Lanka boasted incredible infrastructure, including palaces of gold and flying machines, while India today struggles with potholes, power cuts, and crumbling public services.


While modern India faces communal tensions and religious politics, Lanka was a place where knowledge and devotion coexisted. Ravana himself was a great devotee of Shiva, yet he never imposed his beliefs on his people. He encouraged learning from various scriptures, promoted different schools of thought, and respected diversity. Compare this to present-day India, where religion often becomes a political weapon, dividing people instead of uniting them.

Despite being depicted as an ‘asura,’ Ravana ruled with justice and fairness. He never exploited his own people. Lanka had strict laws, a disciplined military, and an efficient administrative system. Today, corruption and political scandals plague India, with leaders prioritizing personal gain over national welfare. Would modern India be better off under a leader like Ravana, who at least ensured prosperity and fairness?


Unlike many Indian politicians and leaders today, Ravana was self-aware. He knew when he was wrong. In his final moments, he admitted his mistakes and imparted wisdom to Lakshmana, teaching him valuable lessons about governance and life. How many Indian leaders today take responsibility for their failures instead of blaming others?

Was Ravana Truly the Villain?
If we look beyond the lens of mythology and question the narratives we’ve been fed, we see a different picture. While Rama is celebrated as the ideal king, Ravana’s Lanka in many ways represents the ideal society one that valued knowledge, ensured safety for women, maintained a thriving economy, and promoted fairness and justice. Maybe it’s time we stop blindly vilifying Ravana and start questioning whether modern India has truly progressed—or if it still lags behind a kingdom that existed thousands of years ago.