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Fair enough. Although it is debatable whether or not Rāvana was dark. (Thread) https://twitter.com/priya_27_/status/1335218268810878984
The Vālmīki Rāmāyana describes what Hanumān saw when he entered the palace of Rāvana in the 10th Sarga of the Sundar-kandam. Vālmīki writes that Hanumān saw:
लोहितेनानुलिप्ताङ्गं चन्दनेन सुगन्धिना।
सन्ध्यारक्तमिवाकाशे तोयदं सतटिद्गणम्।।
(Vālmīki Rāmāyana, 5.10.8)
लोहितेनानुलिप्ताङ्गं चन्दनेन सुगन्धिना।
सन्ध्यारक्तमिवाकाशे तोयदं सतटिद्गणम्।।
(Vālmīki Rāmāyana, 5.10.8)
Translation (word-by-word):
In red, (his) arms (anga) were covered, by Sandalwood he was made fragrant. In a sky evening blood-red in the evening; a cloud streaked by lightning (is what Rāvana looked like to Hanumān)
In red, (his) arms (anga) were covered, by Sandalwood he was made fragrant. In a sky evening blood-red in the evening; a cloud streaked by lightning (is what Rāvana looked like to Hanumān)
Note that in the very previous verse, Vālmīki describes Rāvana wearing "illuminated, excellent earrings" (प्रदीप्तोत्तमकुण्डलम्) so one can attribute the "streaked by lightning" comment in verse 5.10.8 to Rāvana's jewellery.
Howsoever, Rāvana's description doesn't exactly point to him being dark (esp. the mUh DrAviDiAn Dark Brown) in skin colour. He is described as a cloud (and not a rain-cloud, the word for which is मेघ (mēgha), which are dark), so for all we know, Rāvana could've been fair-skinned.
The above argument is further supported by Rāvana's Ancestry/Family:
Brothers: Kubēra, Vibhīshan, Kumbhakarna
Father: Vishrava (brother of Mahrshi Agastya)
P. Grandfather: Pulastya
P. Great-grandfather: Lord Brahma
(½)
Brothers: Kubēra, Vibhīshan, Kumbhakarna
Father: Vishrava (brother of Mahrshi Agastya)
P. Grandfather: Pulastya
P. Great-grandfather: Lord Brahma
(½)
P. Grandmother: Manini (aka Havirbhu)
P. Great-grandmother: None (Pulastya was a Manas-putra of Brahma)
Mother: Kaikashi
M. Grandfather: Sumali (demon-king)
M. Grandmother: Ketumati
M. Great-grandfather: Sukesha (demon-king)
M. Great-grandmother: Manimaya (Gandarva Princess)
P. Great-grandmother: None (Pulastya was a Manas-putra of Brahma)
Mother: Kaikashi
M. Grandfather: Sumali (demon-king)
M. Grandmother: Ketumati
M. Great-grandfather: Sukesha (demon-king)
M. Great-grandmother: Manimaya (Gandarva Princess)
This ancestry has no record of dark-skinned individuals either. It is fair to argue that Rāvana may have been fair or dark or wheat-ish in complexion.
I rest my case.
I rest my case.
@Magarmachh_Taau @gymbrahmin @AutodidactG @dispropaganda_K @samraggi_debroy @UltimAddy
Read my thread and lemme know your thoughts y'all
(My reach is dead so I gotta tag people 
)
Tag more if you like :)
Read my thread and lemme know your thoughts y'all
(My reach is dead so I gotta tag people )Tag more if you like :)
Plus as usual I did the Translation by myself 
