Rama and Lakshmana Overwhelmed by Arrows: Folio from the Siege of Lanka series 1715 - 1735

This drawing by Manaku, an Indian artist from the 18th century, depicts a scene from the epic Hindu poem the Ramayana. The scene, "Rama and Lakshmana Overwhelmed by Arrows," shows the protagonists Rama and Lakshmana, covered in arrows, lying on the ground. The drawing, which is part of a series called "The Siege of Lanka," is characterized by fine pen lines and intricate detail. The use of negative space in the composition contributes to the drama of the scene. The artwork, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, provides insight into the visual culture of 18th-century India.