Rama and Lakshmana as Boys Assist the Sage Vishvamitra: Folio from a dispersed Ramayana series

Workshop active in the First generation after Nainsukh Indian

ca. 1780

Not on view

In the central scene, the ascetic sage Vishvamitra asks King Dasaratha if his sons Rama and Lakshmana can help rid him of the demons Marichi and Subahu. After much debate the king agrees, and the brothers are seen with Vishvamitra departing through a gateway (lower right) and in a distant pavilion. This event sets the stage for Rama’s and Lakshmana’s interactions with ascetics in the forest and anticipates their many battles with demons throughout the Ramayana.

This painting is one of the great products of the Kangra court workshop of Raja Sansar Chand, characterized by a muted palette, naturalistic detail, daring spatial arrangements, and multiple perspectives.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Rama and Lakshmana as Boys Assist the Sage Vishvamitra: Folio from a dispersed Ramayana series
Artist: Workshop active in the First generation after Nainsukh (active ca. 1735–78)
Date: ca. 1780
Culture: India, Punjab Hills, kingdom of Kangra
Medium: Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 9 5/8 x 13 15/16 in. (24.5 x 35.4 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Seymour Fund, 1976
Object Number: 1976.14
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Nainsukh

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana at the Hermitage of Bharadvaja: Illustrated folio from a dispersed Ramayana series, Opaque watercolor and ink on paper, India (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh) — Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana at the Hermitage of Bharadvaja: Illustrated folio from a dispersed Ramayana series
India (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)
ca. 1780

A Lady with Attendants, Nainsukh Indian, Ink and transparent watercolor on paper, India (Pahari Hills, Kangra) — A Lady with Attendants
Nainsukh
ca. 1775–80

Drawing for an Illustration from a Sat Sai of Bihari Lal Series: The Message of the Eyes (recto); Lady in Search of Her Lover on a Dark Night (verso), Nainsukh Indian, Ochre on paper, India (Pahari Hills, Kangra) — Drawing for an Illustration from a Sat Sai of Bihari Lal Series: The Message of the Eyes (recto); Lady in Search of Her Lover on a Dark Night (verso)
Nainsukh
Fattu
ca. 1785–90

Krishna Subdues the Serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River: Illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series, Nainsukh Indian, Ink and wash on paper, India (Pahari Hills, Guler or Kangra) — Krishna Subdues the Serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River: Illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series
Nainsukh
ca. 1780

Durga, Kali, and the Matrikas Battle the Demon Raktabija: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya
, Nainsukh Indian, Ink, ocher and underdrawing, India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler) — Durga, Kali, and the Matrikas Battle the Demon Raktabija: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya
Nainsukh
ca. 1780

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.