Without Ravana, there would not be an epic called Ramayana. And you know what? There would be no Rama either!’ ‘You make Ravana sound like a hero,’ said Sujatha. ‘Ravana was one of the wisest Brahmins ever,’ replied Sharma. ‘During his lifetime, he made Lanka into one of the most prosperous and advanced kingdoms ever. Moreover, he had the blessings of both Brahma and Shiva. History is written by the victors, and the events narrated in the Ramayana merely reflect the opinions and prejudices of the winning side. Hence the negative descriptions of Ravana.’