Cleveland Museum of Art

Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

Date

c. 1770

Medium

gum tempera and gold on paper

Culture

Central India, Bundelkhand Region, Madhya Pradesh, Rajput Kingdom of Datia

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Viradha was once a celestial musician named Tumburu, who was cursed by Kubera, guardian king and god of wealth, to turn into a demon until he was killed by Rama. During their exile, when the hero Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and wife Sita were venturing in the Dandaka Forest, the demon appeared in front of the divine party and abducted Sita. Rama and Lakshmana slayed the demon and rescued Sita, and Viradha was freed from his curse. Rama is depicted with a green complexion in central and southern India.

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