Artwork Page for Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

Details / Information for Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

c. 1770

Central India, Bundelkhand Region, Madhya Pradesh, Rajput Kingdom of Datia

Medium
gum tempera and gold on paper
Measurements
Overall: 21 x 29.8 cm (8 1/4 x 11 3/4 in.); Painting: 19 x 28 cm (7 1/2 x 11 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.122
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

Rama is depicted with a green complexion in central and southern India.

Description

Viradha was once a celestial musician named Tumburu, who was cursed by Kubera, guardian king and god of wealth, to turn into a demon until he was killed by Rama. During their exile, when the hero Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and wife Sita were venturing in the Dandaka Forest, the demon appeared in front of the divine party and abducted Sita. Rama and Lakshmana slayed the demon and rescued Sita, and Viradha was freed from his curse.
A horizontally oriented gum tempera painting within a thick red border depicts Rama, a man with green skin, standing at left with Sita and Lakshmana, both with light skin tones. Both men carry bows. To our right, the giant Viradha lies prone with an arrow in his back. In the background, a white horse pulls a red chariot past stylized trees beneath a black sky. Figures stand upon dark earth beside a pale river.

Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

c. 1770

Central India, Bundelkhand Region, Madhya Pradesh, Rajput Kingdom of Datia

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