The Death of the Monkey King Vali; Illustrated folio from the dispersed Mankot Ramayana series
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Sugriva, desiring King Vali’s crown, entered into battle knowing Rama would intervene and slay his brother with an arrow. As Vali lay dying, he accuses Rama of “taking him unaware like a serpent bites a sleeping man.” In turn, Rama replies that it was because Vali slept with Sugriva’s wife that he intervened and shot him. This scene describes the qualities of a moral king and the dangers of lust and desire. Vali’s wives, shown as human women, surround the fallen king while his son, the great monkey warrior Angada, looks out from a cave.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Death of the Monkey King Vali; Illustrated folio from the dispersed Mankot Ramayana series
- Date: ca. 1710–25
- Culture: India, Punjab Hills, kingdom of Mankot or Nurpur
- Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions: H. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of the Kronos Collections, 2015
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art