Indian Miniatures - Rama Lila
BY: SUN STAFF
[Click for large version]
Jan 7, USA (SUN) — In today's series on Indian Miniatures we look at the first of two beautiful paintings of Rama lila pastimes, done in the Mewar school of Udaipur. Painted as an illustration for a manuscript of the Ramayana, the panel depicts episodes from the Ramayana in narrative sequence.
This painting is a splendid example of the types of extensive lila panoramas done by the artists of this school. The flat-tint background creates a striking contrast for the bold colors used to illustrate the piece.
Here, we see various scenes from the life of Sri Rama, wife Sita devi and brother Laksman, who have been exiled to the forest. Throughout the painting, we see the two brothers talking confidentially with one another about their circumstances, and making plans for their various activities.
The narrative begins on the left side of the painting, as the three enter the forest. Laksman leads the way, gesturing the others forward. Both men carry bows, full quivers and swords.
In the center panel, Rama and Laksman have laid down their weapons (which are differently colored), while they bathe in the river. Even while relaxing in the water, they are seen in earnest discussion about their circumstance in the forest. Again Laksman is seen in the predominant position, indicating his constant service mood to Rama. Sita, meanwhile, is upstream gathering water in a pot.
In the background at right, we see Lord Rama lovingly embrace his brother. A small ascetic's hut is nearby, with a pot in the window. Such shelters and living spaces are seen throughout Rama lila paintings like this one, as the devotees are always taken care of and given shelter by the mercy of the Lord. Again, the weaponry is piled on the ground near the hut, indicating the safeness and security of this forest scene for the three exiles.
Throughout the painting, the three wear exactly the same clothing, as would be expected if one living very austerely in the woods. While simple, their dress, headgear and jewelry are beautiful and indicate their royal status.
Along the riverbank and in the water we see an excellent collection of birds and aquatics. There are abundant fish, and we know from Ramayana that the deer, gazelles and antelopes in the forest are also plentiful. The artist has provided an interesting collection of birds here. There are two peacocks on the ground, and two others in the trees above, along with a pair of ducks in the foreground. Most unusual is the other bird on the riverbank, who looks somewhat like a songbird but is much too large to be so compared to the peacocks. We assume he is the messenger bird.
The artist has depicted this scene against a lush forest background, making the painting a harmonious natural environment of mango trees, banana trees, flowers, birds and fishes, all cohabitating peacefully with the ascetics living in their midst.
