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.
Rama Vanquishing the pride of Ocean:
(i) Mention the name of the artist and medium.
(ii) Briefly explain the subject matter by highlighting emotions expressed in this painting.

Hint:

Raja Ravi Varma was a pioneer in using Western academic realism and oil on canvas to portray classical Indian epics, making characters look lifelike and dramatically theatrical.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identifying the Artist and Medium (Part i):
The artwork Rama Vanquishing the pride of Ocean is a famous oil painting from the late 19th century.

• Artist: Raja Ravi Varma
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Movement: Modern Indian Art (Academic Realism style)

Step 2: Describing the Subject Matter (Part ii):
The scene is taken from the epic Ramayana (Yuddha Kanda). Rama wants to cross the southern ocean to reach Lanka to rescue Sita. He prays and waits for three days, but Varuna, the God of the Ocean, does not appear. Angered by this disrespect, Rama mounts a fiery arrow (Brahmastra) on his bow, threatening to dry up the entire ocean. Terrified by the impending cosmic destruction, Varuna emerges from the crashing waves, clasping his hands in humility to beg for Rama's mercy and to guide him on building the bridge (Ram Setu).

Step 3: Explaining the Emotions Depicted:
This painting is highly dramatic and captures a range of strong emotions:

• Heroic Wrath and Valour (Raudra and Veera Rasa): Rama is depicted standing on a dark rock, his hair blowing in the storm, his eyes flashing with righteous anger, and his body poised dynamically with the bow drawn.
• Fear and Humility (Bhayanaka and Shanti Rasa): Varuna and his companions emerge from the white surf with fearful expressions, holding their hands in absolute submission and seeking refuge.
• Cosmic Awe: The visual elements like lightning cutting through the dark sky, crashing white waves, and dark rocks create a dramatic atmosphere of nature's chaos before divine authority.