Chamba, one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, carries within its sparkling streams an art heritage of Chamba Rumal, delicate Rumal (handkerchiefs) embroidered with fine miniature scenes, often drawn from Indian mythology. Originating in the 17th century, this art uses silk and tinsel threads on khadi or muslin handkerchiefs. The embroidery looks identical on both sides of the fabric; hence the name of the technique: Do-Rukha Tanka, or double satin stitch. These handkerchiefs were used as covers for offerings and gifts, as wedding gifts, and were draped around idols. In this particular art piece, excerpts from the Ramayana can be seen stitched on a cotton cloth with silk threads in a synoptic form. Starting from the top right, Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita are taking blessings from Mata Kaushalya before commencing their 14-year exile in the jungle, as can be seen in the scene next to it. We then see the events that followed Goddess Sita's abdication by Ravana and the events that followed after, like Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman crossing the river along with Hanuman, moving towards Ravana's fort and finally emerging victorious.

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