Surpanakha at Rama's hermitage, Indian painting based on Ramayana

An eighteenth century Pahari painting in the Kangra style from Chamba in India portrays a scene of Ramayana, Surpanakha at Rama’s Hermitage.

The theme of this Indian miniature painting is the visit of Ravana’s sister Surpanakha to Panchavadi. One day while Rama and Lakshmana were seated in front of the hermitage, Surpanakha, sister of Ravana, happened to pass that way. She was attracted by Rama. Infatuated by his handsome appearance, she adopted the form of a beautiful maiden and approached him and importuned him to take her as his wife.

Graciously declining the offer, Rama playfully advised her to approach Lakshmana who sent her back to Rama saying that he was not planning to marry. Blinded by her passion and driven by lust, she believed Sita to be the obstacle in her path and assumed her real form to attack her only to have Lakshmana cutting off her ears and nose. Surpanakha ran off roaring loudly in pain. This is a very excellent example of the art of miniature painting.