Experience the Pictorial Ramayana at Bikaner House, New Delhi

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Do you love reading the Hindu epic Ramayana? Imagine experiencing it visually — through stunning paintings that bring the story to life. Now, you can. Publishers Roli Books are hosting an exhibition of over 60 images from the Mewar Ramayana at Bikaner House, Pandara Road, New Delhi. The exhibition is open until Sunday, November 13, from 11 AM to 7 PM, so hurry!

About the Mewar Ramayana

The Mewar Ramayana was originally created between 1649-1652 by Sahib Din, a master Muslim painter and head of Maharaja Jagat Singh’s studio. This collection of over 400 paintings was commissioned by Maharaja Jagat Singh of Mewar, giving it the historical name, The Jagat Singh Mewar Ramayana.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Mewar was a stronghold of Hindu culture, standing firm against Akbar’s invasions while other kingdoms like Vijayanagar fell. Many valuable manuscripts, including Hindu epics, were destroyed during these times. To rebuild the cultural heritage, Maharaja Jagat Singh commissioned artists to illustrate the great epics, entrusting Sahib Din with the Ramayana.

Why This Pictorial Ramayana Is Unique

Sahib Din’s paintings bring the Ramayana to life. Each artwork is vivid, colorful, and full of intricate details. The exhibition carefully sequences the episodes, making it easy to follow the epic visually.

Some highlights include:

• Ashwamedha Yagna of King Dasharath: Depicted in four-panel sequences showing the horse sacrifice and the Putrakameshti Yagna for the birth of Ram.

• Ram mourning his father’s death: Scenes show Ram fainting, the mourning rituals, and prayers, all illustrated sequentially.

• Battle between Ram and Ravana: Detailed group formations and side scenes humanize monkeys and bears participating in the battle.

• Kishkinda Kanda: Watch Ram and Lakshman’s subtle beard growth while searching for Sita in Sugreeva’s monkey kingdom.

• Kumbhakarana wakes up: A humorous yet detailed painting showing beguls being sounded, lilliputs on elephants, a braying donkey, and huge piles of food and liquor.

Each image comes with a brief description in black-and-white text, helping viewers understand the story better.

Exhibition Book & Merchandise

The exhibition is accompanied by a book titled “Ramayana” by Roli Books, featuring a larger collection of Mewar Ramayana images. The text is based on Valmiki’s Ramacharitmanas, retold by Sumedha V. Ojha, with an introduction by J.P. Losty, former Curator-in-Charge of the British Library, London.

Visitors can also purchase Ramayana-themed merchandise like coasters, diaries, and trays at the exhibition.

Visit Details

• Venue: Bikaner House, Pandara Road, New Delhi

• Timing: 11 AM to 7 PM

• Last Date: Sunday, November 13

Whether you are a lover of Hindu epics, art, or history, the Mewar Ramayana exhibition is a visual feast that should not be missed.