The royal priest Shatananda confirms that the four princesses of Mithila should marry the sons of King Dasharatha, from Chapter 70 of the Bala Kanda (Book of Childhood), folio 13 from a “Shangri” Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

c. 1690–1720

The royal priest Shatananda confirms that the four princesses of Mithila should marry the sons of King Dasharatha, from Chapter 70 of the Bala Kanda (Book of Childhood), folio 13 from a “Shangri” Ramayana (Rama’s Journey), c. 1690–1720. Northern India, Pahari Region, Himachal Pradesh, possibly Rajput Kingdom of Chamba, court of Udai Singh (reigned 1690–1720). Gum tempera and ink on paper; image: 18.5 x 28.7 cm (7 5/16 x 11 5/16 in.); page: 20 x 30.4 cm (7 7/8 x 11 15/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund 2002.6 In front of their hut, a priest and his wife announce to the four princesses of Mithila that they are to marry the princes of Ayodhya. Sita, who will become the wife of the hero Rama, is probably the figure wearing the white flowered garment, since she stands out the most against the saturated ochre background. Had the painting been finished, gold would have been applied to the jewelry and other accouterments.

Lacking in spatial depth and ground plane, the scene is set and dramatized by means of bold color, overlapping textures, expressive gestures, and intense gazes. This painting remains slightly unfinished, without the final touches of gold.