Rama Leaves for Exile, Bharata Laments

Place CreatedRajasthan, India, Asia

CultureIndia, Mewar

Dateca. 1700-1710

MediumOpaque watercolor and gold on paper

Credit LineGift of Jayantilal K. and Geeta J. Patel and family to further the study of Hinduism

Dimensions10 1/2 × 16 1/2 in. (26.7 × 41.9 cm)

Object number2015.036.001

Label TextThe Rajasthani text at the top of this painting directs us to begin at the bottom right where Guha, chief of the Nishadas (a forest tribe), reports to Bharata his earlier encounter with Rama. Bharata has traveled into the forest to bring his brother Rama back to Ayodha and his rightful throne. He is joined in front of his royal tent by another brother, Shatrugna, his brahmin advisor, and his mother and stepmothers dressed in the modest garb of widows.

The upper right shows a courtly scene from the past where Dasharatha was alive and surrounded by his wives, ornamented and wearing multi-colored clothes. In the bottom right, however, the three widows of Dasharatha are unornamented, wearingly only the prayer beads of ascetics.

The other scenes depict Guha’s account to Bharata about Rama’s journey into the forest. Guha explains how Rama and Lakshmana, taking on ascetic garb, matted their hair with the sap of a banyan tree (center) prior to crossing the Ganges River (bottom left). At top left, Guha converses with Lakshmana who watches over Rama and Sita as they sleep on the forest floor. The story ends in the bottom right where Bharata appears again, collapsing in grief after hearing about Rama’s arduous journey.

All the characters in this painting demonstrate steadfast devotion to Rama, the embodiment of righteousness. Sita never leaves his side, Lakshmana protects him, and Bharata endures his absence, reluctantly ruling the kingdom until Rama can be installed on the throne.
Exhibition HistoryTell the Whole Story from Beginning to End: The Ramayana in Indian Painting, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 20 - May 20, 2018
The Avatars of Vishnu, Michael C. Carlos Museum, April 24 - July 18, 2021
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, August 28, 2021 - Present

ProvenanceEx coll. Mohan Lal Parson, India and United States, until late 1960s. Thence by descent to Narenda and Rita Parson, California. Purchased by MCCM from Carlton Rochell Asian Art, New York, New York.

Status

On view

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