Artwork
Queen Kaikeyi reminds King Dasharatha about the sacrifices of King Bali and King Shivi, folio 39 from the Ayodhya Kanda (Book of Ayodhya) of a Ramayana (Rama's Journey)
Queen Kaikeyi reminds King Dasharatha about the sacrifices of King Bali and King Shivi, folio 39 from the Ayodhya Kanda (Book of Ayodhya) of a Ramayana (Rama's Journey) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is a painted folio illustrating a moment from the Ayodhya Kanda, a segment of the Ramayana.
About this work
Overview
The work is a painted folio illustrating a moment from the Ayodhya Kanda, a segment of the Ramayana. Executed on a single page, it captures a narrative episode in which Queen Kaikeyi reminds King Dasharatha of the sacrifices made by earlier monarchs, King Bali and King Shivi. The composition is dominated by vivid hues and strong line work, typical of manuscript illustration.
Subject & Meaning
At the centre stands a dark‑skinned figure in an orange robe, arms outstretched as if delivering a proclamation. He is flanked by four attendants—three seated or kneeling in garments of red, yellow and pink, one holding a scroll, another occupying a throne, and a child lying at their feet. The scene conveys the queen’s admonition and the king’s contemplation of royal duty and sacrifice.
Technique & Style
The artist employs bright, saturated pigments and bold outlines to delineate figures and architectural elements. A luminous aura surrounds the central figure, suggesting divinity or regal authority. The background features a small red chariot hovering above a temple‑like structure, rendered with simplified perspective and decorative detailing characteristic of Indian manuscript art.
History & Provenance
The folio originates from a traditional illustrated copy of the Ramayana, specifically the Ayodhya Kanda. While the precise date and workshop are not specified, such manuscripts were commonly produced in the early modern period for devotional and literary purposes. The piece now forms part of a collection that includes similar narrative paintings.
Context
The episode reflects a pivotal moment in the epic, where Kaikeyi invokes the deeds of past kings to persuade Dasharatha to honor his promises. This moral lesson about loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of royal vows is a recurring theme in the Ramayana, reinforcing the text’s didactic function.
Artist & collection
