Laxman Pulls Out a Thorn from Rama's Feet

 Laxman Pulls Out a Thorn from Rama's Feet

Kangra School. Late 18th century AD.

         Although this is a painting of a subject from the Ramayana, but this doesn't seem to be from the series painted by Godhu. Stylistically it is different from his series. The figures are more delicate,  the landscape is not drawn meticulously,  the theme is inaccurate.  For Rama, Sita, Laxman are shown together with Hanuman. But Rama and Laxman had met Hanuman only after Sitaji was abducted by Ravana.
         Yet this painting is a delicate and a beautiful one. Rama lies across, pointing to the place where the thorn has pierced his foot. Sita fans him with a lotus leaf; Laxman, the ever so dutiful brother, tries to extract the thorn. Hanuman, symbol of curiosity looks at his own image in the flowing river. Notice the dead deer, killed by the two brothers.
         The painting depicts the close binding of the family. It also draws the sacrifice a man makes for his family. Yet, it also portrays the narcissistic nature of Man--in the figure of Hanuman. He is happy to see his own reflection in the water.  River is the symbol of life. Some of us are so obsessed with ourselves that we overlook the divinity around us.

A Sage Welcomes Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman

A Sage Welcomes Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman

by Godhu. From the Ramayana series
Kangra School. Around 1785 AD

         Lord Rama has been living in the jungle for some time. He has not only interacted with the sages, but has also protected them from demons and other dangers. Here a sage welcomes Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman to his hermitage. Hearing the news of His arrival, other sages make a que. A few sit in caves and meditate and perform austerities. The mountainous river with its boulders flows by.
         Godhu has caught the lush greenary of the forest, the unique rock formations.  The tranquillity of the landscape speaks volumes in this miniature.
         Generosity,  courage, humility,  a sharp mind and wit always wins laurels for us--even in the wilderness.

Lord Rama Leaves the Hermitage of Agastya Muni

Lord Rama Leaves the Hermitage of Agastya Muni

by Godhu. From the Ramayana series.
Kangra School.  Around 1785 AD.

         During his exile in the forest Rama meets many sages, both men and women. From each one he learns something new. Sage Agastya, a renowned philosopher, teaches Rama many things about Kingship, and about weapons. In the upper left corner we see Rama sitting with his hands clasped in a gesture of submission.  In the centre,  a pupil of the sage has come down to fetch water from the river. In the right side of the painting,  Rama and Laxman swim to the other shore of the river, while Sita floats on a raft. In the upper right corner,  the three live in a simple hut surrounded by deer and peacocks.
      Godhu is known for complex narrative technique where different episodes of Ramayana are placed in the same painting.  He is also known for his almost three-dimensional landscapes with a feel of deep depth in them. One can walk miles through the hills and dales of his paintings.  Unlike the Mughal miniatures,  there is a sense of realism in his works.
       Though considered to be a god, Lord Rama is epitome of humility.  He bows and learns from everyone.  Humility and the ability to learn permits us to cross the river of life. Though the forest is full of wildlife, one finds only deer and peacocks--symbols of beauty and bounty if one has the correct perspective about life.

Rama Converses with the Hermits

Rama Converses with the Hermits

 by Godhu. From the Ramayana series.
 Kangra School. Around 1785

          Rama, Sita and Laxman build a hut in the forest of Chitrakoot and settled down. The news has spread in the forest about three persons who look like princes and princess but who roam around like mendicants. The hermits have come to their hut. While Rama is lost in conversation,  Laxman stands on guard.
          Godhu is known for his fabulous landscapes as in this painting.  His work is meticulous.  The hermits are individualised; the figures of Rama, Laxman and Sita are idealised. The forest, the trees, the birds, the hills and dales, the river are all done with precision and keen observation.  Godhu brings the element of landscape painting into the Kangra School. 
          It is in the wilderness of life that we converse and learn about the secrets of life. Life may be as chaotic as a forest, but it is a learning experience.

Preparation for the Exile

Preparation for the Exile

by Godhu. From the Ramayana series.
Kangra School. Around 1785 AD.

          Godhu is Ranjha's elder brother. While Ranjha did the Nala Damayanti series, Godhu is said to have done the Ramayana series. However he has not illustrated the entire Ramayana epic. We have illustration of only the 'Aranya Kand' chapter of the Ramayana.  So far, the entire series has not been published in one place. For the miniature paintings of this series are scattered throughout the world. But most of them are in the Rietberg Museum in Zurich.
           Here Godhu depicts the moment when Lord Ram, Sitaji and Laxman have decided to leave for fourteen years for the forest. Raja Dashrath sits dejected,  unable to control the sudden change of events.  His favourite son has to go to the forest. Lord Rama's roy clothes lie on the floor as he ties the clothes made up of leaves and bark. It is a poignant moment of sacrifice, of selflessness.  The three leave Ayodhya on a chariot,  followed by the people of Ayodhya. The city lies abandoned and deserted in the background. 
         Aranya Kand deals with the hardship of the forest life. We do not emerge as heroes unless we go through hardship.