Question

Both of the following paintings portray significant events from Lord Rama’s life, each expressing devotion, valour and divine purpose through visual story telling.
(i) Mention the name of the artist and medium.
(ii) Briefly explain the subject matter by highlighting emotions expressed in this painting.

Hint:

To remember this composition, look at the multiplicity of figures: Guman successfully depicts 49 figures in different registers of the forest, beautifully unifying the diverse emotional states of grief, reverence, and filial duty.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identifying the Artist, Sub-School, and Medium (Part i):
The painting Bharat meets Rama at Chitrakut is an exceptionally refined piece belonging to the Jaipur sub-school of the Rajasthani School of miniature painting.

• Artist: Guman
• Medium: Water colour (Tempera) on paper
• Period: Late 18th Century (c. 1740-1750 AD)

Step 2: Detailing the Subject Matter (Part ii):
The narrative is directly adapted from the Ramayana (Ayodhya Kanda). It portrays the deeply emotional moment when Bharat, along with his mothers, sages, and the people of Ayodhya, visits Lord Rama in his exile at Chitrakut to plead with him to return and reclaim the throne of Ayodhya. The painting depicts multiple sequential occurrences within a single visual frame:

• At the center-left, Bharat prostrates himself in absolute submission at the feet of Rama, seeking his forgiveness and blessing.
• Rama, overcome with fraternal love, embraces Bharat with tears of affection.
• In another section, Sita is seen greeting her mothers-in-law, who are visibly grief-stricken.
• Sage Vasistha is depicted consoling the family members amidst the quiet forest setting.

Step 3: Explaining the Emotional Undercurrents:
The composition is a masterpiece of emotional expression (Rasa):

• Fraternal Love (Bhakti & Prema): Illustrated through the physical embrace of Rama and Bharat.
• Sorrow and Grief (Karuna Rasa): Shown in the weeping faces of the queen mothers mourning the death of King Dasharatha and the exile of their beloved son.
• Serenity and Righteousness (Shanta Rasa): Emphasized by the tranquil forest landscape, green foliage, and the calm presence of the sages guiding the royal family.