Bharata Begs Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Return from Exile
From Our Collections Razmnama Leaf Collection
Item Info
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:
The story of Rama—best known from the other great Hindu epic, the Ramayana—figures as a frame story in the Mahabharata. Like the Pandavas, Rama has been exiled, along with his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita. This painting shows Bharata, Rama’s younger brother who has been left to rule, pleading with the exiles to leave the forest and return to their kingdom. The artist’s layering of cool and warm hues gives the landscape texture and depth. The massive tree, with its heavy leaves and unyielding trunk, provides a suitable counterpart to the stalwart figure of Rama. Also noteworthy is Sita’s pose. This particular seated position is unknown in the Persian and European sources that Mughal artists consulted. Rather, it is drawn from the rich Jain painting tradition.
Region/County: Region/County:Northern India, Mughal court
Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1599
Call Number: Lewis M 16
Creator Name: Makara - Artist
Bharata Begs Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Return from Exile
Razmnama Leaf, Bharata Begs Rama, Sita, and Lakshmi to Return from Exile 
Razmnama Leaf, Reverse