Indian Miniatures - Rama's Exile
BY: SUN STAFF
[Click for large version]
Jan 8, USA (SUN) — Today's Indian Miniature is another example of Ramayana manuscript illustrations done in the Mewar school of Udaipur, which was at its peak during the 17th century. Again, the artist has presented a large panorama scene in very bold colors against a flat-tint background.
Like yesterday's painting, the scene depicts the natural beauty and abundance of the forest in which Rama, Sita and Laksman were exiled. While the forest were filled with demons and dangers, the three divine personalities found ample resources of food, water and shelter during their years of austerity in the deep wood.
This scene unfolds from top to bottom, and begins with the sentinel monkeys perched high atop the rocky crags. They are gesturing emphatically, presumably to other monkeys across the river.
While this panel shows only a portion of the scene, we see Lord Rama and Laksman entering on the left, carrying bows. Again they are dressed in the same clothing appearing in the previous manuscript painting. Their diaphanous white scarves, somewhat incongruous for forest dwellers, denote their royalty and purity.
Sita devi is seen kneeling at the right, no doubt taking care of her asrama duties to prepare food, fire or water.
The artist again creates a delightful scene of natural opulence with the downhill river, filled with bright fish. A crane sits in wait for fish at the bottom of the stream, and several peacocks look on.
The artist gives no hint as to whether the deer and gazelle at bottom center are local inhabitants of the forest or demons in disguise, though they certainly look peaceful enough.
Again, the artist creates an opulent scene with banana, mango, and other trees and foliage.
