Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana being Honored by Sages, Hanuman, and his Army
This small panel, probably for worship in a household shrine, depicts an enthroned Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, attended by his consort, Sita,and to her right Rama's younger brother, Lakshmana, holding a bow. The noble ensemble is being venerated by an assembly of holy men (rishis) and Hanuman's monkey army, all holding their hands in anjali mudra, a gesture of reverence. Hanuman himself kneels before his Lord and touches his foot, an act of profound respect. The divine setting is evoked by the architecture, typical of a south Indian temple shrine and gateway (gopura), enhanced by celestial musicians and garland bearers (vidyadharas) who resemble European cherubs. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Nayak sculpture, especially miniature works in ivory, came to display an increasing awareness of European imagery.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana being Honored by Sages, Hanuman, and his Army
- Period: Nayaka period
- Date: 17th–18th century
- Culture: India (Tamil Nadu)
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: H. 5 15/16 in. (15.1 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); D. 3/8 in. (1 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Klejman, 1962
- Object Number: 62.34.2
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
India (Tamil Nadu)
late 17th–early 18th century
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
India, Odisha
17th century
Northern India
late 17th century
Eastern India, Odisha
17th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.