Artwork
Rama and Sita in the royal palace (recto), from a Kalighat album
Rama and Sita in the royal palace (recto), from a Kalighat album is a print by the Impressionist artist Shri Gobinda Chandra Roy. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This Kalighat print depicts Rama and Sita enthroned in Ayodhya, surrounded by family, allies, and nobles, symbolizing the restoration of rightful rule after the Ramayana's climax.
Subject & Meaning
The scene blends ancient Hindu mythology with 19th-century Calcutta elements, suggesting a nationalist aspiration for Hindu rulership under British colonial rule.
Technique & Style
The composition is balanced and symmetrical, conveying peace and stability. Anachronistic details, such as glass sconces and lamps, reflect the artist's fusion of traditional narrative with contemporary settings.
Context
Created in 19th-century Calcutta, the piece reflects the city's status as a British colonial hub, with the artwork potentially serving as a subtle commentary on Indian self-governance.
Legacy
As part of the Kalighat tradition, this print contributes to a unique artistic lineage that reinterprets mythological themes through a distinct, syncretic lens.
Artist & collection
Krishna weighed against precious objects(?) (verso), from a Kalighat album
Das Avataras, Ten Incarnations of Vishnu (verso), from a Kalighat album
Battle Scene at Kurukshetra from the Mahabharata War (verso), from a Kalighat album
Jatayu hinders Ravana’s chariot trying to prevent Sita’s abduction (recto), from a Kalighat album
Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet
Leaf from a Kalighat album: Rama and Sita in the Royal Palace (recto); Radha and Krishna (verso)
Kalighat Painting
A Barber Cleaning the Ear of a Courtesan
