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

Manaku created this large drawing around 1770 as preparation for a painting in the Siege of Lanka series. The series illustrates the epic poem, the Ramayana. Here, we see Rama and Lakshmana lying wounded, covered with arrows, while Hanuman rushes to their aid. Manaku was from a family of painters working in the small kingdom of Guler in the Himalayan foothills, a culture that valued paintings as embodiments of devotion and learning. The image is unfinished, but it is still a moving expression of vulnerability and the need for divine intervention. Note that Rama and Lakshmana are rendered nearly identical, their shared fate emphasizing their brotherhood and mutual reliance. They are surrounded by monkeys, emphasizing the crucial role of allies and community in times of crisis. Although incomplete, this drawing from the Siege of Lanka powerfully conveys the emotional and physical toll of conflict while showcasing the support systems that enable resilience.