The Monkey Leader Angada Steals Ravana's Crown from His Fortress

'The Monkey Leader Angada Steals Ravana's Crown from His Fortress', a painting from the master painter Manaku's 'Siege of Lanka' folio, is a dynamic painting through and through, as the viewer is dropped straight into narrative action. The second artwork in this three part incomplete folio, this painting uses Pahari techniques with prominence to achieve this narrative in motion. The painting tells the story of the monkey warrior Angada, the son of warrior Bali, as he steals the demon King Ravana's crown to give to Vibhishana, Ravana's brother and the rightful King of Lanka. The movement of Angada is the prime exhibitor of Pahari elements in the painting, representing the erasure technique of letting go: with layers and layers of drawing and underdrawing, and final touches of outlines, though it is notable that the technique's incompleteness is evident in certain areas of detail, in comparison to the other two paintings in the folio. It adds to the brilliance of Manaku that parts of this painting was painted by memory, a testament to the artwork's fine artistry and watercolour beauty. Though creative liberties were taken in specific areas, like in the imagery of the crown, it is no less than greatness, that Manaku of Guler has achieved with 'The Monkey Leader Angada Steals Ravana's Crown from His Fortress'.