A King Pays Homage to Rama
India, Kangra School, Punjab Hills, late 18th century
Opaque watercolors on paper.
8 1/8 x 11 7/8 in. (21 x 30 cm)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Baekeland. 87.11.2 |
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This miniature originates from the Punjab Hills region, which, until the
nineteenth century, was divided into thirty-five feudal states, each ruled
by a Rajput and each supporting its own separate painting school. The Kangra
region was a central state within the Punjab Hills. The Rajput were a warrior
caste devoted to the cults of Vishnu and Siva, but they also were deeply
interested in literature and commissioned numerous copies of the great
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Indian epic poems like the Ramayana. The Ramayana tells the story of Rama
and his consort Sita, who was abducted by an evil spirit. Rama enlists Hanuman,
the king of the monkeys, and his army to help rescue Sita from the demon
Ravana. Rama is popularly considered a protagonist of righteous conduct
and is often worshiped in his own right. The Rajput felt that they could
earn merit if they devoted themselves to Rama. |
Our illustration here of the Ramayana is a narrative scene in two
episodes, both depicted within the same frame. A king, accompanied by his
attendants, pays homage to Rama, the hero of the epic, and his brother Lakshmana.
The king is represented twice, in front of Rama, then receiving a blessing
from Lakshmana. Both scenes take place by a river and are witnessed by Rama's
army of monkeys and bears. |
