Andy Warhol, prodigy of American Pop Art, was born Andrew Warhola in 1928. As a child, he suffered from a rare neurological disorder typified by uncontrollable movements, requiring him to miss school frequently. He escaped boredom during these times…
The eldest son of King Dasharatha and Kausalya. Rama represents the paragon of kingship: rightful heir, master of the bow, temperate, and beloved by his citizens. Many paintings depict Rama with blue skin, indicating his divinity.
In one version of the Ramayana, after his coronation, Rama banishes Sita to the forest in response to rumors that she was unfaithful during her captivity in Lanka. In this painting, Rama performs a fire sacrifice as part of his royal duties. Since…
Here, Rama is shown slaughtering Khara’s demon army and then resting after battle with Lakshmana and Sita, who massages his feet. Depictions of Rama on both sides of this manuscript page emphasize his nobility, grace, and might, illus-trating the…
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…
It could be said that the Ramayana begins with a failure:
Rama should be king, but his rightful claim to the throne is denied.
Here king Dasharatha, having joyously resolved on the succession of his eldest son Rama, has sent the charioteer Sumantra…
After Ravana kidnaps Sita, Rama journeys to rescue his wife. On the way, he meets Hanuman, who becomes his faithful servant. In this scene, Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman rest in the forest on a leaf mat in a moment of quiet devotion that contrasts…