Rama and Sita being enthroned in presence of Lakshmana and Hanuman
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Mineral Pigment |
| Current Location: | Currently part of a distinguished collection in West Coast, USA |
| Location History: | Exhibited at Carlton Rochell Asian Art, New York in 2015 under category "Classical Indian Paintings” |
The painting is attributed to the “Ramayana Series” of paintings under the Pahari School of Miniature Art. The painting showcases a scene from the Hindu Epic Ramayana where Rama and Sita are seated on a decorated throne marking their enthronement while Lakshmana is seen waving a flywhisk above their head. On the left side, Hanuman, an ardent follower of Rama and Sita is folding his hands and doing ‘namaskar’ to the newly reunited couple; thus paying homage to them. It's interesting to note that the figures are represented as Mughal-styled courtiers dressed in fine silk cloth, the couple is seated on a hexagonal golden throne and the floor is covered with bright colorful carpet with floral work.The painting therefore represents the concluding scene of Ramayana marking the reunification of the couple after a history of abduction, exile and war. Kama (1735-1810) is regarded as the painter who was also the eldest son of the legendary Pahari master Nainsukh. He along with his brothers (Gaudhu, Nikka, and Ranjha),and cousins (Fattu and Khushala), are called the “First Generation after Manaku and Nainsukh”.Togetherly they carried forward the Guler- Kangra workshops of Northern India based in Himachal Pradesh. They generally operated as a family based workshop resulting in individual artists rarely indulging into individual works. The artworks of the workshop had a unique style of blending Naisukh's realism with lyricism by using intricate brushworks, delicate lines and rich colours. Also, mineral pigments like gold, zinc and lead were dissolved to be used as paints to colour the jewelleries,embroideries and design the margins which eventually gave a signature royal touch to the paintings.