The Celestial Chariot
Ramayana
Creation Date: ca. 1650
Towards the end of the Ramayana Rama has rescued Sita from Ravana's clutches in Lanka. A bridge has been built from Lanka across the water back to the mainland to let Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return home to Ayodhya. In the painting the residents of Lanka bid goodbye to the monkeys and bears, who helped in the battle to rescue Sita. In the airborne palace filled with these curious beasts Rama and Sita look out from the top floor. Rama and Lakshman confer with the leaders of the animal army.
This set of Ramayana illustrations are among the earliest and most impressive narrative paintings from the Panjab Hills. Strongly based in the imperial Mughal style the quality of execution and finish as well as the lavish use of gold being obvious hallmarks of the manuscript, the paintings also exhibit a wit and charm in the depiction of the animals and water creatures.
Power & Desire
Ravana made his Lanka a city of gold. Still, the residents are grateful to be delivered from their demon king. Rama has placed the kingdom in the hands of Ravanas good younger brother. It is time to leave.
The army of bears marches back across the bridge that they built to reach Lanka. The monkeys would rather play in the water. And Rama has found an appropriate vehicle: the pushpaka vimana. This fabulous flying chariot, big as a city, belonged to Kubera, the god of wealth. It was stolen by Ravana. Now Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana ride it home, along with every monkey and bear who can clamber on. The residents of Lanka and the creatures of the deep
marvel at the vision of a golden city in the sky as it lights up the heavens.
This set of Ramayana illustrations is among the most impressive narrative paintings from the Panjab Hills. Strongly based in the imperial Mughal style with lavish use of gold, the paintings also exhibit a wit and charm in the depiction of the animals and water creatures.
Domains of Wonder
This brilliantly composed painting celebrates the joyful reunion of Rama with Sita and their return home after the long exile of fourteen years. The gold celestial chariot able to move with the speed of mind, was summoned to Rama's presence, and the reunited royal couple sits in the highest chamber. To the right of the painting, the grateful men and women of the city of Lanka came out to bid farewell, their eyes alight with adoration. Wondrous sea creatures wear expressions of delight, and the victorious monkeys and bears rejoice as they cross the land bridge from the island of Lanka.
Repository: The San Diego Museum of Art
