The army on march : with Hanuman carrying Rama on his shoulders across the ocean
Title
The army on march : with Hanuman carrying Rama on his shoulders across the ocean
Accession Number
51.65/53
Museum Name
National Museum, New Delhi
Gallery Name
Paintings
Object Type
Painting
Main Material
Paper
Medium
Natural colour
Artist's Nationality
Indian
Origin Place
Malwa
School
Central India
Period / Year of Work
Mid 17th century CE
Inscription
Yes
Dimensions
18.5 x 25.7 cm
Brief Description
After returning from Lanka Hanuman gave a detailed description of the city of Lanka to Rama and Sugriva. On hearing Hanuman's account, Rama expressed his firm decision to reach Lanka to defeat Ravana and rescue Sita. A bridge was constructed on the sea to reach Lanka. The Rama's army of monkeys and bears was full of enthusiasm to cross the sea to see the golden Lanka of Ravana. Hanuman is shown carrying Rama on his shoulders and Lakshmana is also seated on the strong shoulders of Angad. All are in hurry to reach Lanka, army of vanaras moving with Sugriva and valiant Jamvan and many others warriors of Rama's army. All are shown carrying their respective weapons.
In this painting from Malwa the happiness on the faces of monkeys and beers is painted in such a manner that there reflects no fear of war on their faces. As if not going for war but for celebration the mood of all monkeys is full of jubilation. The painting is broadly divided into three parts - on the upper part the sky is shown as a blue stripes. The vanara army is crossing the bridge against the dark red background. And, aquatic flowers are shown in the foreground in blue waters of the sea.
The army on march : with Hanuman carrying Rama on his shoulders across the ocean