c. 1775-1780

Rama Pines in the Wilderness

In this scene, Rama cannot find his beloved wife Sita. Although he does not yet know it, she has been abducted by the demon king Ravana. In his grief, Rama slumps on the ground below a drooping vine that amplifies his mood, his hat and bow forgotten by his side. Meanwhile Lakshmana, his bow half drawn, charges energetically across the pastel landscape in search of Sita. The brothers' antelope-skin garments and leaf hats show that they are still living in exile in the forest.