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Rama, Sita and Lakshman at the Sage Atri’s Ashram

Rama, Sita and Lakshman at the Sage Atri’s Ashram

Rama, Sita and Lakshman at the Sage Atri’s Ashram


From the Ayodhya Kanda, book 2 of the Ramayana
Punjab Hills, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, circa 1800
Ink, opaque watercolour and gold on paper
Folio 23.5cm x 36.5cm
Provenance: Private European Collection
Stock no.: A4523

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Rama, Sita and Lakshman at the Sage Atri’s Ashram

 

Rama, Sita and Lakshman visited the ashram of the great sage Atri and the rishi’s wife Anasayu. In continuous narration, the three appear twice. Taking their leave they first meet with a group of rishis at the right and at their departure the rishis perform oblations into a sacred fire in the centre, pouring water from shankhas, usually called conches in English but actually a different shell altogether. The main rishi, Atri, sits to the left along with his wife Anasuya in front of a rustic hut. The whole takes place in a lush landscape of rolling hills and a variety of trees, each carefully rendered with leaves in a range of colours. Contrary to our expectations the rishis all wear rather elaborate jewellery while Atri has an animal skin draped over his shoulder.

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