Ramayana and seu family :
Ramayana is most popular subject of Indian painters and paintings. Many manuscript, album and individual paintings on this subject are survive. Ramayana is also popular subject of pahari paintings. Pandit seu was painter of guler who painted this series first time in guler state but unfortunately series stop at sundarakanda.
Sages welcome Rama, By Pandit seu (Chandigarh Museum)
His older son Manaku continue series but only some paintings and drawings of yuddhakanda painted about 1730. in 1740, Manaku illustrated new series 'Bhagavata purana series' which also contain about 170 Drawings of Ramayana. However this sub-series is divided into two different texts :
1. Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa - Manaku use this text to draw episode of Ayodhya's Kings from Raghu to Dasratha. this drawings are kept in Zurich museum, Bharat kala Bhavan and Philadelphia museum.
2. Ramayana of Valmiki - Manaku use this text to draw episode of Rama's life. This drawings are in Zurich museum, Met Museum and mittal museum.
Sabari ascending to heaven From Bhagavata, canto 9 (By Manaku)
Manaku also draw single page of "Rama-Darbar" as part fifth skandha of Bhagavata now in Simla state museum.
Nainsukh, The most famous painter of this family, work on Gita Govinda, Bihari satsai and some other paintings of Shiva but not Ramayana. However his influence is clearly see in Bharany Ramayana series.
Kama, elder son Nainsukh, Painted 'court of Rama' preserve in San Diego museum of art (1990.1283)
Another Guler painting based on Ramayana is in San Diego museum of art in which Bishan Singh (son of Dalip Singh) pay homage to Rama. (1990.1225)
Nikka, Another son of Nainsukh who worked at chamba probably illustrated the Ramayana series because one of folio survive.
Ranjha, son of Nainsukh also draw Ramayana now preserve in Bharat kala Bhavan contains as many as 700 Drawings for Bhupendra pal of Basohli.
Gaudhu (Also son of Nainsukh) was probably illustrated the present series. (According to V. C. Ohri) However this argument is hardly believable.
Painter, Patron and Manuscripts :
Bharany Ramayana illustrated during early reign of Maharaja sansar Chand of kangra (1775-1823 A. D.) he was son of Tegh chand. his first wife was prassana Devi from suket while second wife came from sirmur. After death of sansar chand, Aniruddha Chand come to throne. Maharaja sansar Chand had two daughters married to sudarshan shah of Tehri-garhwal.
Maharaja sansar Chand with painters. (Zurich museum)
In atelier of Sansar chand, Many of painters worked on different illustrated Manuscripts but one of the most important group of painters was "The first generation of Manaku and Nainsukh". Fattu, elder son of Manaku, worked at Guler-Basohli. Ranjha and his brother Nikka worked at chamba. so rest three, Khusala (younger son of Manaku), Gaudhu and Kama (sons of Nainsukh) were probably worked at kangra in Guler-kangra style. Many of Art historians agree that 'First Tehri-garhwal Gita Govinda' attributed to Khusala and Gaudhu.
Their were Many Manuscript illustrated at kangra by First Generation most Notably Gita Govinda (151 Paintings), present Ramayana (200 paintings), Bhagavata purana (100 paintings), Bihari satsai (40 paintings) and Barahmasa. Gita Govinda series (After Manaku's series) painted for daughters of Sansar Chand as gift on their marriage and series entered into garhwal royal library. Mody Bhagavata purana Dasamskandha (After Fattu's series) was remarkable series which folios are preserve in Bharat kala bhawan and Delhi National museum. while Satsai and Barahmasa is widely dispersed. some other paintings series of sudama-charita, Devi mahatmya and Rasikapriya illustrated at kangra.
Paintings of Manuscript :
Present Ramayana was once in collection of chotelal Bharany so it generally tited "Bharany Ramayana". original series are numbered.
Backsheet Number (Met Museum)
However Bharany Ramayana has No text as usual written on backside of Bhagavata, Gita Govinda and Satsai. Fortunately Back sheet are numbered in sequence but many of number are Damaged. it is little difficult to identify each episode because of No text but painters were remain very close to Original text. like in yuddhakanda, it's difficult identify each episode but text provide great help.
It is not only problem in Bharany Ramayana. Brooklyn museum has folio of Ganesha, which I present as opening folio of this Ramayana series but size is not same as series. But krauncha-vadha episode also has Ganesha image at top of painting so Maybe this Ganesha folio belonged to Mahalakshmi series.
Bharany Ramayana series has inner Dark blue border and pink-flecked border. Balakanda to Aranyakanda decorated with plain blue border. while Kishkindhakanda to yuddhakanda decorated with folder flower details. so this series divided into two "First part" and "second part".
First Two paintings are itself controversial because First painting show 'Hunter shoots Krauncha Bird' (National museum, Delhi) then second painting show 'Arrival of Narada and Brahma' (Morgan library). However in Valmiki Ramayana, First Narada visits Valmiki then Hunter shoot bird and finally Brahma arrived.
Their are several Drawings belonged second series copied from Bharany Ramayana are survive. Many of paintings contain Multiple episodes like Dasratha visits kaikeyi (San Diego museum of art)
Bharany Ramayana has various theme like court scenes, Visiting sages at Forest, slaying Rakshas, Profession, Golden Lanka and fighting with different kinds of demons.
---
Ganesha - opening folio (Brooklyn museum)
Episode of Krauncha Birds (National museum, Delhi)
A tribal hunter with evil intent, and a receptacle of enimity, killed the male one among the couple of birds, while Valmiki was looking on. [1-2-10]
In present painting, Valmiki witnesses event of Krauncha-vadha, hunting of birds by Hunter. on River Bharadwaja and other Shisaya-s take bath. In upper middle, Ganesha sits on lotus.
Valmiki visits by Narada and Brahma. (Morgan library)
Then, the great sage Valmiki, a skilled orator and a virtue-minded one, having heard those words of Narada, worshipped him along with disciples. [1-2-1]
Then, the great resplendent Four-faced creator of fourteen worlds, almighty Brahma, arrived there on his own, to see that eminent saint Valmiki. [1-2-23]
In this painting, Narada narrates story of Rama. Shisaya-s of Valmiki are busy to read manuscript and perform agnihaotra. We also see tiger, peacock and deer together as symbol of peace.
Birth of Rama. (Nelson-Atkins museum of art)
The celestial singers sang melodiously, paradisiacal dancing parties danced, divine drums drummed and heavens rained flowers, with all this there is a great festivity in Ayodhya with thronging people. [1-18-17, 18]
In present paintings, Three Queens are busy with four sons. Musicians playing various instruments. In Court, Rama Dasratha with Sage vashista doing donation.
Vasistha convince Dasratha to send Rama with sage vishwamitra. (SalarJung museum)
Vishwamitra leave with Rama and lakshmana (Met Museum, Numbered 13)
Rama with jet-black hair-locks handling his bow followed Vishvamitra who walked ahead, while Lakshmana handling his own bow followed Rama. [1-22-6]
Vishwamitra welcomes by raja Dasratha. Rama and Lakshmana join with sage. Queens see court from Windows. Rama and lakshmana leave court with sage and rest in background palace.
Rama-Lakshmana following sage vishwamitra. (Present Location unknown)
Then Rama on touching water to purify himself received those teachings from the contemplative soul Vishvamitra with gladness beaming on his face. [1-22-20b, 21a]
On hearing the benign words of the sage those valorous and best ones among men got up, bathed, and on offering water oblation they meditated upon the supreme hymn, namely Gayatri. [1-23-3]
Crossing the river ganga. (Present location unknown)
"You may board the boat keeping the princes ahead of you, and we wish you to proceed on a prosperous route without the shift of time." So said the sages. [1-24-3]
In present painting, vishwamitra stay at Siddhashram for night and then they cross river ganga.
Rama slays tadaka. (Private collection)
And Rama struck an arrow in her chest who is invading and speedily swooping down like a thunderbolt, and thus she is readily felled down and totally dropped dead, too. [1-26-25b, 26a]
"Rama is steadfast in following your assignments and thus he is the worthy receiver of those missiles, and this prince has to accomplish a very great deed of gods. So said gods to Vishvamitra. [1-26-30b, 31a]
"Here we stay for tonight, Rama, the august one for a gaze, and tomorrow morning we will go to that hermitage of mine. So said Vishvamitra to Rama. [1-26-33b, 34a]
In present painting, Rama kill demoness Tadaka who attack on yagna of sages. In sky, Different God, gandharwas and Narada celebrate. Same subject also painted by Manaku and published by B. N. Goswamy.
Rama shoots demons. (National museum, Delhi)
Cleanly hit with that great missile Maanava, demon Maareecha is pitched for a hundred yojana lengths in full, and flung down into an ocean rocking with tidewaters. [1-30-18]
Thus saying to Lakshmana, as though to show his swift dexterity Rama, the descendent of Raghu dynasty, took up a very powerful missile called Aagneya astra, Fire-missile, and darted it on the chest of Subaahu, by which that demon Subaahu is struck and fell flat on ground. [1-30-22]
In present painting, Tadaka's son Subahu and Maricha attacks on sacrifice. While Rama shoot Maricha and throwing him 100 gonna far in Sea. Rama also killed Subahu
Vishwamitra come at mithila. (Art Market, Numbered 23 but not from present Ramayana series)
Even the Ritvik-s, the administrators of that Vedic-ritual, of the great souled king Janaka arrived with post-haste taking holy waters, and they have ritualistically offered that sanctified water to Vishvamitra. [1-50-7b, 8a]
Rama breaks bow (state museum, Himachal Pradesh)
Further, that dextrous one has stringed that bow with bowstring and started to stretch it up to his ear to examine its tautness, but that glorious one who is foremost among men, Rama, broke that bow medially. [1-67-17]
Dasratha visits janaka at mithila. (Art Market)
On seeing his two sons, the super medallists in Raghu's dynasty, King Dasharatha is highly rejoiced and he resided in Mithila with a high contentment, for the reverence of Janaka is that high. [1-69-18]
In present painting, King Dasratha with Chaturangini army arrive at mithila and meet Janaka and vishwamitra.
Parashurama tests Rama's power. (San Diego museum of art)
While Rama of Jamadagni is speaking that way, that venturesome and blessed Rama of Dasharatha shot off that nonpareil arrow from that longbow of Vishnu. [1-76-21]
On seeing all of his realms of heavens are shot-blasted by Rama of Dasharatha, Rama of Jamadagni vanished in a trice to Mt. Mahendra, the heavenly mountain. [1-76-22]
One of beautiful painting of series show great procession, Rama use great bow of Vishnu. In sky Brahma, Indra, Agni are appears to see this.
God varuna receive bow from Rama. (Ackland art museum)
On the departure of Rama of Jamadagni, that most glorious Rama of Dasharatha is quietened at heart, and he gave away that longbow of Vishnu into the hand of inimitable Rain-god. [1-77-1]
On hearing the words of Rama king Dasharatha hugged his son with both of his arms, and kissed on the forehead of Raghava, and king Dasharatha is gladdened to listen about the departure of Parashu Rama, and then he is further gladdened in deeming that he and his sons took a rebirth. [1-77-4, 5]
In present painting, Parashurama leave and Rama give bow to God varuna. In background Chaturangini army entering in city ayodhya.
Rama-sita arrive ayodhya after marriage (private collection)
Then the King Dasharatha ordered that legion to move ahead, and then they all went towards delightful city Ayodhya, whose royal highways are wetted with water, sprinkled with bunches of flowers, decorated with banners and bannerettes up above them, and reverberating with high sounding bugle-horns. Further, those highways are replete with urbanites welcomers who are handling welcoming kits which are golden handy-crates or plates in which lit camphor, fragrant incenses, vermilion powder, flowers to shower on the incomers are arranged, and those highways are well-decorated with throngs of people who are glee-faced at their king's re-entry, and into such an exhilarating city Ayodhya king Dasharatha and his retinue entered. [1-77-7, 8a]
Then the womenfolk of the king welcomed the highly propitious Seetha and the highly fortunate Urmila too, along with both the daughters of Kushadhvaja, namely Maandavi and Shrutakiirti, with pageantry and festivity. [1-77-11b, 12a]
Most beautiful painting of entire series, when procession arrives at ayodhya.
All four couples welcome by their mothers. Sita painting has much details like Rangoli, Fire-lamp and shadows.
Dasratha receive message of ashwapati. (San Diego museum of art)
"This is your maternal uncle and the son of king of Kekaya, and this valiant Yudhaajit came here to take you to Kekaya province, and he is staying behind because of your marriage..." thus Dasharatha bade farewell to Bharata suggesting that Bharata may now go with Yudhaajit. [1-77-16b, 17a]
In present painting,Yuddhajita comes to ayodhya pay homage to Dasratha and give message of ashwapati. Musicians playing Dholak and tambura. Kaikeyi see his brother from window.
Bharata went kaikeya. (Kronos collection)
After the departure of Bharata, then the masterly proficient Rama along with Lakshmana started to square with the plans and programs of his godly father for an ideal-sovereignty. [1-77-20b, 21a]
Donation by Dasratha (Zurich museum)
Vasishta, the best of Brahmans, hearing the words of king Dasaratha, ordered the officers who stood there with folded hands before the king, as follows: -
"Gather the following in the sacred fire house of the king at dawn: gold and the like, diamonds, things needed to perform worship, various herbs, white floral garlands, corn, honey and clarified butter in separate vessels, new clothes, chariot, all weapons, the four divisions of army, an elephant with auspicious signs, white fan, flag staff, white umbrella, one hundred golden pots with brilliant shine, bull with gilded horns and a complete tiger skin". [2-3-7,11]
Rama arrive at court. (Zurich museum)
Rama with folded hands approached his father, bowed down mentioning his own name and offered salutations to his father's feet. [2-3-32]
Dasratha visits kaikeyi. (San Diego museum of art)
Hearing Manthara's words, that Kaikeyi of charming countenance who was lying in bed, rose from her coach full of delight like unto the crescent moon in autumn.
That Kaikeyi in the midst of her astonishment and joy gave a graceful jewel to the hunch-backed Manthara. [2-7-31,32]
That Dasaratha with vast glory entered Kaikeyi's chambers as moon enters the sky with white clouds. [2-10-11,12]
That Dasaratha, possessed with infatuation and having fearful mind, touched that lotus-eyed woman with his hands and spoke the following words. [2-10-27]
In present painting, Manthara give new of rama's coronation and kaikeyi offer him necklace for bringing good news but later evil minded Manthara poisoning mind of kaikeyi. Kaikeyi go into kopabhavana. At night, Dasratha arrive and try to convince kaikeyi. One of beautiful details is stars in dark night. However Kaikeyi in pink dress is very common detail in First generation painters. The same Details found in Two usha-aniruddha series, Gita Govinda and Sundar shringar.
Dasratha talk with sumantra. (State museum, Himachal Pradesh)
Standing besides the king and ignorant of that situation, Sumantra started praising the king with very pleasing words. [2-14-45,46]
Rama visiting his father dasratha. (National museum, Delhi)
Sita, treated with respect by her husband and having black eyes, followed her husband up to the door, thinking of auspicious things in her mind. [2-16-21]
Lakshmana, Rama's younger brother mounted the chariot in the back-side and protected Rama with umbrella and chamara fan. [2-16-32,33]
Rama being humble and well composed, first reverentially saluted his father's feet and then saluted Kaikeyi's feet. [2-18-2]
"Oh, Rama! According to those boons, I asked the king for coronation of Bharata and for your going to Dandaka forest today itself." [2-18-33]
Rama offered salutation to the approaching mother by touching her feet. Then, she took him into her arms and smelt his head. [2-20-21]
Rama comes to meet sita. (Present location unknown)
Thereafter Rama, slightly turning his face down , entered his own house which is well decorated and is filled with rejoicing people all around.
Sita sprang up from her seat and trembled by seeing her husband stricken with sorrow, his mind perturbed with anxiety. [2-26-5,6]
In present painting, Sita see his husband Rama with grief from window of her lonely palace.
Final meeting. (Zurich museum)
The same Sri Rama who was followed by a strong four wings of army, is walking lonely with Seetha followed by Lakshmana. [2-33-6]
Taking those two pieces of bark from kaikeyi and discarding his clothing of fine yarn, Rama put on the garb of ascetics. [2-37-7]
Rama, the foremost of those upholding virute, quicky came and personally fastened that bark over the sild garment of Seetha. [2-37-14]
Seeing Seetha accepting the piece of bark, Vasistha the king's preceptor prevented her and spoke thus to Kaikeyi.
[2-37-21]
Even so for the two brothers, keeping the sets of weapon, an armour of hard make with leather-cover in the midst of the chariot, Sumantra saw the three of whom Seetha constituted the third mounted and quickly drove the horses which were highly admired, with their swiftness resembling the velocity of wind. [2-40-16,17]
Night departure of Rama. (Private collection)
However, Sumantra placed that chariot by facing it to the north, for he saw omens auspicious for journey. Rama the mighty car-warrior, along with the charioteer mounted the chariot and proceeded to the forest. [2-46-34]
Night at exile. (Brooklyn museum)
Distressed with anguish (to see Rama and Sita lying on the ground) Guha said to Lakshmana, the scion of Raghu, who kept awake, through sincere love, for the protection of his brother Rama.
[2-51-1]
Rama's party cross river ganga. (Zurich museum)
Propelled by those splendid and vigorous oarsmen, that boat furnished with a pilot, rapidly moved across the water. [2-52-81]
In present painting, Painter illustrated great ganga. Rama's party with horses cross river ganga.
Visit of Bharadwaja's Hermitage (met museum, Numbered 60)
Entering the hermitage and beholding the high-souled sage who was austere and contemplative, his glance sharpened through severe meditation, surrounded by a group of disciples, who had kindled sacrificial fire, the highly fortunate man as he was, Rama together with Lakshmana and Seetha greeted him with joined palms. [2-54-11,12]
In
Rama's party cross river yamuna. (Zurich museum)
Having stayed that night there, those princes the annihilators of enemies, thereafter offered salutation to the sage Bharadwaja and proceeded towards that mountain of Chitrakuta. [2-55-1]
Those valiant sons of Dasaratha firmly held that raft, firstly helped Seetha to ascend it and then ferried across the river watchfully. [2-55-18]
Seetha, Rama and Lakshmana who subdued their senses, very happily strolled in that excellent forest, filled with many classes and multitude of beasts and birds, trees having multi-coloured crowns of flowers, and resonating with sounds of elephants in rut and of antelopes. [2-56-36]
Bharata visits Queens. (Zurich museum)
Covering his lovely face with a raiment, Bharata the first of those who are victorious, with a proffond distress in his mind shed tears in lamentation. [2-72-21]
His mind being perplexed and having lost his consciousness, Bharata then coming his senses, wailed in many ways and fell at the feet of the queen. [2-75-18]
The sage Vasishta, the excellent one among the speakers having eloquence, spoke to that Bharata, Kaikeyi's son who was thus tormented with grief. [2-76-1]
Raising the body of king Dasaratha, from the vessel where it had been immersed in oil, seeming as it were asleep with face in the color of gold, that son Bharata placed it in a magnificent couch, adorned with every kind of precious stone and in a great grief, lamented. [2-76-4,5]
That Shatrughna, the tormentor of enemies, with his raging red eyes then violently dragged the crying hump-back along the floor. [2-78-16]
Cremation of Dasratha. (Foundation custadia, Paris)
The attendants were choked with tears in their throats and disconsolate in their mind, made the dead king to mount on a small palanquin and carried it away. [2-76-14]
Along with Bharata, the royal women, the ministers and family priests offered their oblations with water and entered the city with their eyes filled in tears and spent ten days with great difficulty by sleeping on bare floor. [2-76-23]
Shraddha of Dasratha. (Zurich museum)
On the occasion of Shraddha rites, Bharata gave precious stones, money, a lot of cooked rice, very valuable clothes and various other kinds of presents to Brahmans. [2-77-2]
Then, Vasista, a noble man, a learned man and the family priest of their father, raised up that Bharata from the ground and spoke. [2-77-21]
Bharata to meet Rama. (Cleveland museum of art)
Bharata rose up at day-break, mounted on excellent chariot and went quickly with a desire to see Rama.
All the ministers and priests ascended, chariots yoked with horses, resembling those of the sun, and went ahead of Bharata. [2-83-1,2]
Guha meeting with bharata. (Zurich museum)
Having obtained permission, Guha along with his own people, joyfully and humbly approached Bharata and spoke as follows: [2-84-15]
Bharata visits sage bharadwaja (Zurich museum)
Seeing he had resolved to halt at that place for the night, the sage Bharadwaja prepared to offer Bharata the son of Kaikeyi the full honours due to a guest. [2-91-1]
A forest of divine enjoyments from the territory of northern Kuru's along with a river shaped with various trees on its bank appeared there. [2-91-31]
Splendid square mansions with stables for elephants and horses as well as resplendent gates with watch-towers flanked by turrets were seen. [2-91-32]
Then, on the command of Bharadwaja, Alambusa, MishraKesi and Vamana started dancing in the presence of Bharata. [2-91-47]
Bharata comes to meet Rama. (Present location unknown)
Having shown Mandakini River in that manner to Seetha, the daughter of Mithila, Rama set on the hill-side in order to gratify her appetite with a piece of flesh. [2-96-1]
While Rama was thus sitting there the dust and clamour of Bharata's army, which was approaching, ascended into the sky. [2-96-3]
Seeing those animals running away and hearing that clamour, Rama spoke to Lakshmana (son of Sumitra) of burning courage as follows: [2-96-6]
Bharata visits Rama. (San Diego museum of art)
Thus did that pitiable Bharata lament, perspiration be-dewing his lotus-like countenance and, without touching Rama's feet, fell down grooming. [2-99-37]
Rama pay tribute to his father. (Private collection, culcatta)
Coming to his senses again and tears falling from his eyes, Rama began to speak much plaintively. [2-103-6]
Holding together in the form of a hollow his palms full of water and turning his face turned towards the southern quarter and weeping the great prince pronounced the traditional words saying:
[2-103-26]
Thereafter, the glorious Rama, resending the bank of Mandakini River along with his brothers, offered balls of food to his father. [2-103-28]
Queens visit Rama. (Private collection)
Rama, the tiger among men, true to his promise raised up and took hold of the auspicious feet of all his mothers.. [2-104-18]
Bharata leave for Nandigrama. (National museum of America)
When Bharata had left, the army too, abounding in elephants, horses and chariots marched unbidden. The residents of the city also followed suit. [2-115-11]
Bharata workship paduka of Rama. (National museum, Delhi)
Reporting all the royal orders to the wooden sandals, Bharata was holding the royal canopy together with the chowrie to those sandals. [2-115-25]
Rama leave chitrakuta and went toward Dandaka. (Zurich museum)
Perceiving their distress, Rama was filled with apprehension about himself and with joined palms spoke the following words to a sage, the leader of that community of ascetics: [2-116-4]
"We shall, therefore, move elsewhere", pondering thus, Rama along with Seetha and Lakshmana left that place. [2-117-4]
Ansuya offer clothes to sita. (San Diego museum of art)
Seetha accepted the apparel, the scented cosmetic, the jewels and the garlands as unsurpassed gifts of love.
[2-118-21]
Seetha, the daughter of Mithila kingdom then showed to Rama all the apparel, jewels and garlands the affectionate gifts of Anasuya the hermitess. [2-119-14]
Rama's party visits sage of Dandaka Forest. (Zurich museum)
Thus saying they worshipped Raghava along with Lakshmana, on giving fruits, tubers, flowers and other varieties of forest foods. [3-1-22]
Sage agastya offer weapons. (Zurich museum)
While that disciple repeated the obliging words of Agastya entered that reception-worthy Rama into hermitage on receiving him well. [3-12-15b, 16a]
On saying thus that great resplendent and godly sage Agastya, gave all of those best weapons to Rama, and again spoke to Rama [3-12-37]
Lakshmana cut nose of surpankha (Zurich museum)
Raghava revered Jatayu in his turn by gladly hugging and stood by him with his head bent, and that kind-natured Rama is indeed regardful of the friendship of his father with Jatayu that is repeatedly said by Jatayu. [3-14-35]
Thus said to that mighty Lakshmana he infuriately drew sword and chopped off her ears and nose before the very eyes of Rama. [3-18-21]
She that gruesome one in her appearance clasped herself and thunderously entered similarly gruesome forest while her blood fountained and profusely exuded. [3-18-24]
Rama slays trisiras. (Art Market)
That army of valiant demons which is highly execrable, infernally speedy, and readily inspirited for a battle quickly rushed towards those two princes, Rama and Lakshmana, as though a festoon of planets would rush towards the Moon and Sun so as to put them to rout. [3-23-34]
When Rama said to him that way, Lakshmana picked up his bow and arrows, and together with Seetha he took shelter in an unreachable cave. [3-24-15]
And with three sharp and rapid arrows, and even with his own exasperation, Rama of inestimable aptitude rolled the three heads that demon. [3-27-17b, 18a]
Surpankha complaint to ravana. (Zurich museum)
One who has twenty arms, ten faces and a broad chest, and a possessor of all regalia of Indra like white parasol, white fanning instruments, colours and the like insigne, and at that brave one who is attributed with all of the kingly attributes, Shuurpanakha saw. [3-32-8]
She who is disfigured by the high souled Lakshmana, and who is still perplexed with the fear of Lakshmana and her own craving for Rama as well, on displaying her misfortune to everybody that fearless rover Shuurpanakha spoke this very caustic sentence to Ravana, whose eyes are broad and burning. [3-32-25]
That chariot which is decorated with golden ornaments, yoked with monster-faced mules that have gem studded trappings is rideable by the wish of the rider, and sitting in such a chariot which is wholly golden and which rides with a sound like the pealing of thunder, that celebrated Ravana, the brother of Kubera and the lord of demons, travelled towards the lord of rivers and rivulets, namely the ocean. [3-35-6,7]
Maricha joins ravana. (Met Museum, Numbered 94 ? )
At that place Ravana saw the demon named Maareecha, wearing jute-clothes and black deerskin and tufts of hairs, and the one with regulated diet. [3-35-38]
Abduction of sita. (Zurich museum)
When Rama's incomparable arrow has indeed shattered his crucial organ, namely the heart, in a downright manner, then Maareecha assumed a very massive physique of a demon, abandoning the form of Golden Deer. [3-44-20, 21a]
But then, holding Seetha in usual reverence that self-respectful Lakshmana briefly came to her fore making a reverential palm-fold that briefly, and then he proceeded to the proximity of Rama, while repeatedly looking back at that lonely lady in the thick of forest. [3-45-40]
Lakshmana very much infuriated at Seetha who spoke to him rudely, as such he journeyed towards Rama at once as though he is yearning to see Rama immediately, albeit his heart wanted him to stand guard to Seetha. [3-46-1]
Quickly taking hold of intervallic time then the ten-headed Ravana approached Vaidehi adopting an aspect of a sanyaasi, a meandering Brahman friar. [3-46-2]
Agonised with anguish when gone into the captivity of Ravana, she that glorious Seetha wailed loudly for Rama saying 'oh, Rama,' which Rama has gone deep into the forest by then. [3-49-21]
Ravana kill jatayu (Brooklyn museum)
Now Ravana who is with his devastated bow, devoid of chariot, dispatched are his horses and departed is his charioteer, and such as he is, he on grabbing Vaidehi by her torso, or, placing her on the lower end of his torso, jumped to earth. [3-51-19]
Ravana brandishing his sword at Jataayu, who is revolting for the sake of Rama, hewed off both of his wings, sides, and feet. [3-51-42]
That broad-eyed and curvaceous lady with resentment Seetha, inwrapping her auspicious ornaments in the upper-fringe of her sari, dropped in the midmost of those five Vanara-s with a thinking that 'these creatures may perhaps indicate them to Rama.' [3-54-2, 3a]
Indra offer payasa to sita. (Philadelphia museum of art)
Rama search for sita and found jatayu. (National museum, Delhi)
Then Rama saw Lakshmana coming towards him with a lacklustre face, and then Lakshmana, who is melancholic and anguishing in his divergence from Seetha, met Rama not a long-way-off, where Rama is a similar partaker in melancholy and anguishing by way of his convergence upon ill-omens. [3-57-14, 15a]
Raghava looked like a flying-flutterer as his speed jostled his arms and gait flutteringly, and on closely probing there and there, and all-over the places of that cottage, then he saw the lustreless house of straw devoid of Seetha, alike a befogged wintry lotus-lake without lustre. [3-60-4, 5]
When Rama said thus to him Lakshmana again went to the charming River Godavari quickening his pace. [3-64-2b, 3a]
By which reason those animals are going in a southerly course on a southerly terrain, and stopping to peer at Rama, and again clamorously adopting the very same southerly course, Lakshmana ascertained that reason. [3-64-19b, 20a]
Rama jettisoned his forceful bow when he heard the much desired news about Seetha while hugging that kingly eagle Jataayu. [3-67-21]
On saying that way, that ethical-souled Rama mounted that lord of birds onto the pyre and he sorrowfully incinerated that eagle in a flaring fire of pyre, as he would do in respect of his own deceased relative. [3-68-31]
Then that resolute Rama on going into forest along with Soumitri hunted a robust-bodied, big Rohi animal, or, Kesari animal, and then he spread sacred grass on ground to place that offering to the deceased soul of that bird. [3-68-32]
That king of eagle Jataayu, who has performed a creditworthy deed of stalling and combating Ravana, but who is felled by that Ravana, went away to the merited and auspicious heavenly realms of his own, as and when consecrated by sublime sage like Rama. [3-68-37]
Rama and lakshmana cuts off hands of kabandha. (Zurich museum)
Then both the Raghava-s are very highly gladdened as the demon is hauling them towards his eye at shoulder level, and as they are the brothers with circumspection, they instantly mutilated his arms right at their shoulder joints only with two swords. [3-70-8]
In a trice that highly dynamic Kabandha zoomed up shoving off that pyre, and he is now attired in lily-white vestments and angelic garlands, and appeared like a fumeless fire. [3-72-4]
Hanumana disguised as asetice meet Rama. (Private collection)
Mindful of the words of noble-souled Sugreeva, Hanuma took his flight from Mt. Rishyamuka to where Raghavaa-s are. [4-3-1]
Casting off his monkey's semblance Air-god's son Hanuma attained the persona of an ascetic, for that monkey is incredulous in mind about Raghava-s. [4-3-2]
Hanumana carries Rama and lakshmana. (Present location unknown)
On discarding the ascetic's semblance that estimable monkey Hanuma obtained his own monkey's form, and mounting those two valiant ones onto his back he proceeded towards Sugreeva. [4-4-34]
Hanuma, the extensively renowned heroic son of Air-god with pious mind and highly audacious nature, is then gladdened like the one whose difficult deed is just accomplished, thus he gladly travelled to that mountain where Sugreeva is abiding, along with Rama and Lakshmana. [4-4-35]
Cremation of Bali (Met Museum)
On giving fire to the pyre procedurally, then Angada with dismayed senses performed circumambulations in an anticlockwise direction to his father, who is voyaging on a remote avenue. [4-25-50]
Those vanara-s on coming together along with Sugreeva and Lady Tara, and then locating Angada in their front, they have offered water oblations to the soul of Vali. [4-25-52]
Thus when Rama countenanced that best vanara Sugreeva entered the charming city Kishkindha which is so far ruled by Vali. [4-26-18b, 19a]
Rama order lakshmana to meet sugriva. (Philadelphia museum of art)
Rama, the slayer of braving enemies, spoke this well thought sentence that includes persuasiveness to Lakshmana who is with an irrepressible wartime anger, who has apprised his intention to slay Sugreeva, and who on taking his bow is now leaping at Kishkindha. [4-31-5]
Sampati fly away. (Zurich museum)
On saying thus to all of those monkeys that best bird Sampaati took wing from that mountaintop to ascertain the plight of a sky-going bird when anew on the wing. [4-63-13b, 14a]
Hanumana come to Lanka. (Present location unknown)
That son of God Vayu stood on a mountain and saw forests and gardens and also the city of Lanka situated on the top of a mountain. [5-2-8]
The glorious Hanuma neared the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, and saw the city which looked like the city of Gods in heaven, decorated by moats filled with lotuses and water-lilies, which was well protected, since the time of Seetha's abduction, by Ravana and by Rakshasas with horrifying voices roaming around, which was surrounded by a golden boundary wall, that beautiful great city consisted of houses equal in height to mountains and which looked like autumnal clouds, with white and elevated main streets, decorated with flags and pennons, with excellent golden hued archways adorned with sculpted rows of vines. [5-2-14,18]
Hanumana in ravana's apartment. (Zurich museum)
That Hanuma moved about from one house to another of Rakshasas and also parks and observing in all directions without fear and also courtyards. [5-6]
Hanumana offer ring of Rama to sita. (Museum of fine arts, Boston)
Looking at sides, up and down, that Seetha saw that Hanuman, the sun of wind-god, having an unimaginable intelligence, the minister of Sugreeva and looking like the sun behind an eastern mountain. [5-31-19]
Sita receive ring of Rama. (San Diego museum of art)
That Hanuma, with coral-coloured face, very bright, the son of wind-god, wearing a humble and feeble look, approached Seetha by stepping down from the tree and offered her his salutation by keeping his joined palms on his head and spoke the following sweet words: [5-33-1,2]
Rama use Brahmastra on crow. (Philadelphia museum of art)
"Taking a blade of Kusa grass from his bed ( made of Kusa grass), Rama employed it to work with Brahma's missile (a mythical weapon which deals with infallible destruction). That blazing shoot of grass, resembling a fire destroying the world, flared up in front of that bird."
"As Rama threw that blazing blade of Kusa grass towards that crow, that blade of grass went chasing that crow in the sky." [5-38-30,32]
Hanumana kill jambumali. (Zurich museum)
Spinning the iron rod with a great speed, Hanuma, richly endowed with strength and highly agitated, threw it on the broad chest of Jamubumali.
Thus struck by Hanuma, the mighty Jambumali, with his limbs and ornaments crushed to powder, was instantly killed and fell dead on the ground. [5-44-16,18]
Akshakumar attacks on Hanumana. (Museum of fine arts, Boston)
Aksha, filling the sky earth and its mountains with sounds of horses elephants and chariots, together with his army, approached the efficient Hanuma the great monkey, standing at the archy door-way. [5-47-7]
Hanumana return from Lanka. (Formally in Eva and konrad collection)
That mountain, with a width of ten yojanas (or eighty miles) and a height of thirty yojanas (or two hundred and forty miles) got level with the earth. [5-56-50]
All those mokeys with their delightful faces, taking roots and fruits as their presents, honured Hanuma, the foremost among the monkeys, who came back hale and healthy. [5-57-33]
Then, Hanuma the excellent one among the monkeys, on his part, offered his salutation to venerable persons and elders like Jambavan in the first place, as also Angada, the prince. [5-57-34,35]
Rama and his allies went toward ocean. (Art Market)
Rama and Lakshmana the best among men being carried on shoulders by Hanuman and Angada the two monkeys, were effulgent like the moon and the sun having come together in contact with two large planets [[6-4-42]
Ravana kicks out vibhisana. (Art Market)
Hearing those harsh words from Ravana, Vibhishana who advocates justice, wielding a mace in his hand, soared high into the sky, along with four other demons. [6-16-17]
Vibhisana joint Rama's party. (Johnson museum of art)
Hearing Rama's words, Lakshmana consecrated Vibhishana as a king, as per the royal instructions, amidst the leaders of monkeys. [6-19-16]
Those excellent arrows having a great speed and ablaze by their splendor, penetrated the waters of the ocean, striking the water- snakes with terror. [6-21-27]
The valiant ocean, the lord of rivers, wearing a wreath of pearls, with his eyes resembling lotus leaves, bearing a beautiful garland made of all kinds of flowers on his head, with ornaments of refined gold, adorned with excellent jewels made of pearls from his domain, decorated with different kinds of gems and metals, resembling Himavat mountain, wearing on his broad chest a locket shedding a white luster, resembling a Kaustubha gem (adorning the blossom of Lord Vishnu) and hanging in the middle of a single string of pearls, with a multitude of waves whirled around him, encircled by the clouds and winds, escorted by rivers mainly the Ganga and Sindhu, endowed with diverse forms resembling various deities, approached Rama with joined palms, who stood with arrows in hand, addressing him first as rama!' and spoke the following words: [6-22-24]
Seige of Lanka by monkeys. (Present location unknown)
That army with innumerable divisions, being skillfully distributed led by the foremost of monkeys, resembled heavens with their mass of clouds. 24-19
Rama release sardula and other spies of ravana. (Walters museum)
That Shardula also, who was going to be killed by the monkeys, was got released by Rama. The other demons also were got released by Rama, the kind man.
Those demons, harassed by the courageous and the quick-paced monkeys, became insensible, heaved a sigh and reached back Lanka. 29-29,30
Ravana present head of Rama to sita. (Art Market)
Holding that head along with a bow, Vidyujjihva making a respectful salute with his head bent low, stood in front of Ravana. 31-40
Beginning of Battle. (Art Market)
Vibhishana of great energy with mace in hand, clad in defensive armour and accompanied by his watchful ministers, took his position where the mighty Rama is stationed. Ch-42
Invisible Indrajita uses snake-weapon on Rama. (Private collection)
That Indrajit the son of Ravana, the sinful demon who had gone out of sight and was cruel in battle, rendered himself as invisible again and hurled forth sharp arrows, bright as lightning.
Being enraged in battle, Indrajit bursted out serpent-like terrible arrows into all the limbs of Rama and Lakshmana who were born in Raghu dynasty. Ch-44
Indrajita greets Ravana. (Art Market)
Hearing in the midst of demons, the news that both the enemies having been killed, Ravana forthwith sprang on his feet in joy and embraced his son. Ch-46
Following his orders, the female-demons along with Trijata appeared before him. Then, the rejoiced Ravana said to them as follows. ch-47
Narada comes at battlefield. (Art Market)
Hanumana fight with Akampana. (Art Market)
That valiant Hanuman, seizing a very great mountain with one hand and letting up a roar, began to spin it rapidly.
Ch-53
Struck with a tree by that high-souled and enraged Hanuman, that demon fell down and died. Seeing their leader Akampana lying lifeless on earth, all the demons trembled as the trees do during an earthquake. Ch-53
Nila slays prahasta. (Kapoor gallery)
Then, that huge and terrific rock hurled by Nila the leader of the monkeys broke Prahasa's head into myriad pieces.
The triumphant Nila, however, was honoured by Rama and Lakshmana for his task well accomplished and experienced supreme joy. Ch-58
Rama combat with ravana. (Art Market)
The mighty Ravana too, regaining his consciousness in the great battle-field, picked up his sharp arrows and the great bow.
Healed and free from that lance, Lakshmana the annihilator of his foes, recollected of himself as a part of the inconceivable Vishnu the Lord of Preservation.
Hearing those words spoken by Hanuma the son of Wind-God, Rama soon after mounted the great monkey, Hanuma. Rama the Lord of men then saw Ravana standing in his chariot in the battle-field.
At these words, that King Ravana, his joy boasting subdued, his bow shattered, his horses and chariot slain pierced with arrows, his great diadem broken, he soon returned to Lanka. Ch-59
Demons try to awake kumbhakarna. (Prahlad Bubbar collection)
Ten thousand demons surrounded him all at once. Beating that colossus who resembled a heap of antimony, the demons on their part tried to rouse him by making sounds. Even then, he did not wake.
A thousand elephants ran up and down on his body till Kumbhakarna lightly woke up and became aware of the pressure. Ch-60
Kumbhakarna wakes up and eats. (San Diego museum of art)
Then, the demons pointed to various kinds of victuals, boar and buffalo. The mighty Kumbhakarna devoured them.
All those demons, approaching Ravana who was seated on the throne, said to him with joined palms, as follows:
Ch-60
Vibhisana inform about kumbhakarna. (Art Market) ch-61
Kumbhakarna pay homage to ravana. (Art Market)
Then, the mighty Kumbhakarna having offered salutation to the feet of his brother sitting on a sofa, asked him, "What is to be done?" Ch-62
Kumbhakarna attack on monkeys (Mount Holyoke college art museum) ch-66,65
Kumbhakarna carried sugriva. (Mitral museum)
Lifting up Sugreeva appearing like a huge cloud in the battle-field and marching forward, Kumbhakarna shone like Mount Meru, distinguished by its very high and formidable peak. Ch-67
Trisiras went to fight. (Zurich museum)
Trishira, Atikaya, Devantaka, Narantaka, Mahodara and Mahaparshva, under the clout of destiny; set out for the battle.
Thereupon, Mahodara mounted an elephant called Sudarshana, like unto a dark-cloud and born in Airavata-race.
Trishira, the son of Ravana, ascended an exquisite chariot, yoked to excellent horses and filled with all types of armoury. Ch-69
Rama's army fainted. (Art Market)
Hanuma and Vibhishana saw the battle-field, covered on all sides, with mountain-sized monkeys fallen with heir tails, arms, thighs, feet, fingers and heaps of heads fractured with blood oozing from their limbs and urine flowing out. The earth was also covered with flaming weapons fallen around.
The trees on that mountain, pressed by Hanuma, fell to the ground and caught fire due to rapidity of Hanuma. Its peaks also got broken. Ch-74
Hanumana take mountain of herbs (Zurich museum, No. 162)
Having uprooted that mountain, frightening the worlds together with the leaders of celestials and demons inhabiting them and being praised by many aerial beings, Hanuma sprang up into the sky and proceeded expeditiously with the terrible speed of Garuda the eagle. Ch-74
Rama and lakshmana save by herbs. (Met Museum, No. 163)
By the fragrance of those most powerful herbs, all those monkey-warriors who were earlier dead were healed momentarily of their wounds, relieved of their pain, even as those who are asleep fully get up at the close of night.
Then, Hanuma the son of wind-god, with a great speed, carried away that mountain of herbs quickly back to the mountains of Himalayas and again joined Rama. Ch-74
Night assault on Lanka (Los Angeles county museum of art)
When the troops of monkeys, with torches in their hands, attacked Lanka on all sides, the diversely eyed demons who were holding the position of guards, suddenly fled away. Ch-75
Hanumana cuts off head of Nikumbha. (Philadelphia museum of art)
Then with both hands, he caught the enemy's neck, twisted it about and tore off his huge head, while Nikumbha was horribly roaring. Ch-77
Rama slays Makaraksha. (Asian art museum)
Struck by that missile by Rama, the demon with his heart split open, fell down dead then and there, in the battle-field. Ch-79
Ravana consult with indrajita. (Ackland art museum)
Hearing the words of Ravana, that Indrajit, bowing to the command of his father, poured oblations into the sacred fire, with due ceremony, on the sacrificial ground. Ch-80
Indrajita perform yagna. (Morgan library)
Having spread on the ground around all the sides of the sacrificial fire with other weapons along with lances, the demon seized hold of the neck of a live goat, entirely black and consigned it to the fire. Ch-80
Indrajita get chariot from sacrificial fire. (Philadelphia museum of art)
Offering oblations in fire and gratifying the gods, the devils and demons, Indrajit ascended an excellent and splendid chariot, capable of disappearing from sight. Ch-80
Indrajita attacks with his invisible chariot. (Ackland art museum)
That Indrajit with his chariot, reaching the sky and remaining invisible, struck Rama and Lakshmana with his sharp arrows. Ch-80
Indrajita kill illusion of sita. (Art Market)
Having spoken thus to Hanuma, Indrajit personally killed that illusory Seetha, who ahd been sobbing all the while, with his sharp-edged sword. Ch-81
Hanumana destroy chariot of indrajita. (Art Market)
After killing Seetha in that way, the evil-minded Indrajit became exceedingly glad. Seeing him exceedingly pleased, the monkeys looked dejected and suddenly ran away. CH-81
Rama fainted. (Art Market)
They sprinkled him with water, fragrant with scent of lotuses and lilies, as one would sprinkle an inextinguishable as one would sprinkle an inextinguishable fire, which has just flared up suddenly and is burning all. Ch-83
Lakshmana combat with indrajita. (Walters museum)
Indrajit hurriedly spoke to those foremost of monkeys and to this Lakshmana, who ascended Hanuma's back with a splendor of the sun shining on Mount Udaya and also with Vibhishana as follows: "You behold my prowess now." Ch-88
Ravana went to fight with Rama. (Art Market)
Then, as per the orders of Ravana, the army-commander hurriedly brought a chariot, moving swiftly, along with a charioteer and yoked with eight horses. Thereupon, the awful Ravana mounted that chariot, shining with his own splendour. Ch-94
Rama fight with ravana. (Art Market)
Penetrating through Lakshmana's bosom, that spear touched the earth. Seizing hold of awful spear with his hands, the mighty Rama drew it out and getting enraged, broke it during the course of the battle.
Torn asunder by the streams of a multitude of arrows by the great-souled Rama, who was armed with a blazing bow, while coming in collusion with him, Ravana took to his heels out of fear, like a cloud when pushed by a tempest. Ch-100
Hanumana to take herbs. (Formally in Bharany collection)
Rama attacks on ravana. (Private collection)
Then came the glorious and excellent chariot of Indra, having variegated body decked in gold, which was fitted with hundreds of tiny bells, with its pole of cat's eye gems shone like the morning sun, yoked to excellent green horses, having golden chaplets on their heads, having white whisks, covered with nets of gold, shining like the sun and bearing a flag-staff raised on a golden bamboo. Ascending the chariot, as enjoined by Indra and descending from paradise, Matali approached Rama.
Seeing those serpents rushing towards him in the battle-field, Rama released the terrific and dangerous missile presided over by Garuda the eagle (an enemy of serpents). Ch-102
Rama slays ravana. (Art Market)
Rejoiced with the victory in battle, Sugreeva, Vibhishana and Angada together with Lakshmana along with their friends paid their respects with due ceremony to Rama, who looked charming.
When Ravana, the cruel demon and the terror of all the worlds, was killed, a great rejoice filled the hearts of gods and charanas the celestial bards. Ch-108
Mourning on death of ravana. (Location unknown)
Fire test of sita (National museum, Delhi)
Thereupon, Kubera the King of Yakshas, Yama the lord of death together with the deceased ancestors, Indra the lord of celestials Varuna the lord of waters, the illustrious Shiva the great deity who bears the device of a bull as his banner and having three eyes, Brahma the creator of all the worlds and the best among the knowers of sacred knowledge all these together reaching the City of Lanka in aerial cars, shining like the sun approached Rama. Ch-117
Shaking off that funeral pile and taking that Seetha, the daughter of Janaka in his arms, the fire-god forthwith sprang up at once in a personified form. Bearing in his arms the youthful Seetha, who was shining brightly as the rising sun, was decked in ornaments of refined gold, attired in a red robe and wore dark curly hair, who was further adorned with ornaments of flowers, which had not abraded (on her entering the fire and coming out of it), who was absolutely beyond reproach and looked just the same (as she did while entering the fire and coming out of it), who was absolutely beyond reproach and looked just the same (as she did while entering the flames), the fire-god restored her to Rama. Ch-118
Visit of Bharadwaja's Hermitage. (Art Market)
After completion of fourteen years of his exile and on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashvayuja (roughly corresponding to the month of September), Rama, who was disciplined even now, reaching the hermitage of the sage Bharadwaja, offered his salutation to the sage. Ch-124
Rama and sita visit sage Bharadwaja. (Israel museum)
Having thus contemplated, the sagacious and the glorious Rama then cast his glimpse on the monkeys and spoke to Hanuma, the monkey. Ch-125
Court of ravana, unknown textpoint (formally in Bharany collection)
Wow ! Such a great effort to put an entire series together.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post.
Just got guided to this by an article in Scroll.in. Fascinating, makes you view Indian Art history in a new way. Keep up the good work of disseminating such knowledge.
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