Rama, Sita and Lakshmana at the hermitage of Sage Atri

Rama at the hermitage of Sage Atri, Pahari School of Indian painting based on the Ramayana, in the Kangra style from Chamba. This eighteenth century Pahari painting in the Kangra style depicts a scene from the great Indian epic, the Ramayana.

After Bharata’s departure from the forest, Rama feels unhappy and restless. He comes to know that the ascetics living there were filled with apprehension as they were being harassed by rakshasas who were hostile to Rama. So Rama decides to leave Chitrakuda and, along with Sita and Lakshmana reach the hermitage of the sage Atri who honours them and offers hospitality.

In this miniature painting, the hermitage is drawn at the foot of the hills at a bend in the river. Seated at the centre, the sage is seen talking to Rama and Lakshmana while Sita and Anasuya are seated near the hut conversing in a friendly manner. Anasuya who is an ascetic herself, had undergone severe penance during a time of drought to bring the river Jahnavi (Ganga) to flow there. She presents Sita with gifts, ornaments and robes that would never fade or get dirty.

The use of colors in this painting is superb. The thick dark green leaves behind the brown hut with light green leaves on top create a striking contrast. The skillful use of various shades of green to depict a variety of plants and trees is pleasing. The deer skin, cut in a geometrical shape offers a foil to several soft curves seen in the bushes, rocks, and even the gently curving river and hill tops in the painting. This miniature from India is a brilliant work of art showcasing the technical skill possessed by the artists of Chamba.