Rama Leaves for Exile, Bharata Laments

Rama Leaves for Exile, Bharata Laments

ca. 1710

India, Rajasthan, Mewar

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Image: 10 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (26.7 x 41.9 cm)

2015.036.001

The Rajasthani text at the top of this painting directs us to begin at the bottom right, where Guha, chief of the Nishadas, a forest tribe, reports his earlier encounter with Rama to Bharata, outside of his royal tent. The other scenes depict Guha’s account. At top left, Guha converses with Lakshmana, who watches over Rama and Sita as they sleep on the forest floor, about the precarious state of Ayodhya. A scene of the court is seen at top right, with Dasharatha surrounded by his three queens. Guha then explains how, taking on ascetic garb, Rama matted his hair with the sap of a banyan tree (center), prior to crossing the Ganges River, ferried by Guha (bottom left). The story ends in the bottom right, where Bharata appears again, collapsing in grief after hearing of Rama’s arduous journey.
In reaction to Rama’s untimely exile, the painting illustrates multiple forms fraternal piety: Lakshmana’s steadfast devotion and Bharata’s pious grief. One joins Rama in his forest trial; the other must endure his absence, reluctantly ruling a kingdom bereft of its true king.

Gift of Jayantilal K. and Geeta J. Patel & Family to further the study of Hinduism

© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Bruce M. White, 2015.

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