Ramayana

ca. 1800

Painted scroll, in opaque watercolour on paper, mounted on cloth, by an artist of the Patua caste, illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. The scroll is divided into 39 panels with scrolling floral borders. In addition there are a number of fragments stored separately (IS.105:2 to 26-1955). The scenes include Rama's departure, wanderings in the forest, the Golden Stag, Sita's abduction, Jatayu's rescue of Sita, Rama's return, the cremation of Jatayu and meeting with Hanuman, Vali's defeat, the re-establishment of Vali, and of Sugriva, the monkey alliance and search for Sita, Hanuman crossing the ocean, Hanuman in the Asoka grove, th capture of Hanuman, Hanuman taken to Ravana, the burning and evacuation of Lanka, Hanuman worshipping Devi, Hanuman returning to Rama, building the bridge, Hanuman congratulated by Rama, and Ravana deposed.