The Monkey King Vali's Funeral Pyre: Illustrated folio from a dispersed Ramayana series

Workshop active in the First generation after Nainsukh Indian

ca. 1780

Not on view

This complex Kangra painting illustrates multiple juxtaposed narratives. Smoke rises from the funerary pyre  of the monkey king Vali, who was murdered by his brother and rival, Sugriva, with the help of Rama. In return, Sugriva pledges the support of the monkey army for Rama’s war with Ravana. At upper left, Rama, seated in a cave, affirms Sugriva’s new standing as the king of the monkeys. A small scene set within the mountains at right shows Sugriva, Hanuman, Lakshmana, and the monkey army returning to their golden capital to crown Sugriva as the new king. Rama does not participate in the coronation, as he must complete his fourteen-year exile to the forest, which is emphasized by the sages in thatched huts in the center of the background.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: The Monkey King Vali's Funeral Pyre: Illustrated 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, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions: 9 3/4 x 13 3/8 in. (24.8 x 34 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky Fund, 2004
Object Number: 2004.367
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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