Bidspirit auction | INDIAN RAJASTHAN SCHOOL ANTIQUE MINIATURE

INDIAN RAJASTHAN SCHOOL ANTIQUE MINIATURE PAINTING - This image is a traditional Indian miniature painting in the Mughal or Rajasthani style, illustrating a scene from the Hindu epic the Ramayana, specifically depicting events surrounding the exile of Lord Rama. The painting style is typical of the region, possibly dating from the 19th century, with text in a local dialect likely serving as a narrative explanation. Details Style and Medium: The painting is an Indian miniature, likely made using opaque watercolors and ink on paper, a common technique in the Mughal and Rajput schools of art. Subject Matter: The two panels of text in the image describe a moment of high drama in the Ramayana. The top panel refers to the ”forest exile of Ram” (Ram ban ka ho), and the bottom panel mentions Queen Kausalya (Kausalya rani pachtani) regretting her actions as she sees the result of her son's banishment. This suggests the scene depicts King Dasharatha or a similar royal figure in conversation about Rama's fate. Artistic Context: Indian miniature paintings often illustrate popular religious texts, fables, and courtly life scenes. The style is characterized by detailed figures in traditional attire, flat perspective, and vibrant natural mineral pigments. Based on the text in the painting and typical illustrations of the epic, the scene likely depicts the moment King Dasharatha is convinced by his wife Queen Kaikeyi to banish his son, Lord Rama, to the forest. The text refers to the ”forest exile of Ram” and Queen Kausalya's regret, confirming this pivotal moment of conflict and decision in the Ramayana. Detailed Scene Analysis Characters: The figure on the left in royal attire is likely King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, who is being persuaded by the woman on the right, Queen Kaikeyi. The Narrative: Queen Kaikeyi, influenced by her wicked maid Manthara, demands the two boons King Dasharatha promised her years ago: that her son Bharata be crowned king and that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. The king, bound by his word, is in distress, leading to the events of the epic. The text in the lower panel specifically mentions the queen's regret after the fact. Artistic Details: The painting uses typical Mughal/Rajasthani conventions with figures in elaborate period clothing, a patterned floor, and stylized landscape elements like the flowering hill and green shrubs in the background. Provenance: Was originally sold by Royal Hospital, Mogadhishu. THIS LOT QUALIFIES FOR A 30-DAY UNCONDITIONAL RETURN FROM THE DATE OF SALE. BUYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURN SHIPPING. Dimensions Length 12in, Height 1in, Width 8in Inside the frame : 9in, height 1in, width 5in Condition Condition: The artwork shows signs of age, with some color fading and minor blemishes, typical of antique or vintage pieces.