The British Library, in conjunction with Tara Arts Theatre Company, has mounted an exhibition of outstanding beauty and historical interest. It will appeal to everyone from calligraphers, art-lovers and historians to academics, families and children.
The Exhibition
Ramayana: Love and Valour in India's Great Epic is the British Library's summer show running from 16th May to 14th September 2008. The display consists of 120 paintings from the British Library's own 17th century manuscript together with paintings, textiles, sculptures, shadow puppets and dance costumes. A four-metre high model of the evil multi-headed King Ravana dominates the Gallery. The exhibition also features recordings of chantings, readings, dance music, hymns dedicated to Rama and gamelan music from India and South-East Asia.
The show explores the history of this epic poem: how it has evolved over the years, in different countries and cultures, reflecting the tastes and needs of each audience. The story has been reinterpreted several times over by many of India's greatest writers and has become one of the most popular items performed by dance groups and shadow-puppet theatres. One of India's most important literary works, it continues to influence art and culture in the 21st century.
Ramayana - A Poem with Ancient Roots
The original Ramayana (ca.500-100BCE) was written in Sanskrit and accredited to the poet/sage Valmiki. The British Library's Ramayana was commissioned by the Ranas of Udaipur, Jagat Singh of Mewar (1628-1652) and Raj Singh (1652-1680). The poem is illustrated with over 400 paintings. This particular version consists of 24,000 couplets arranged in seven volumes, of which the British Library owns four volumes.
The Epic Story
The poem tells the story of Rama, Prince of Ayodhya. Rama wins the hand of Sita, Princess of Mithila, but because of the devious plotting of his stepmother, Kaikeyi, he is forced into exile with his wife for 14 years.
During their banishment to the forest Sita is kidnapped by King Ravana, the evil ruler of Lanka. Rama makes various attempts to rescue Sita and eventually enters into agreement with Sugriva, king of the monkeys. Together they raise an army of bears and monkeys. During the ensuing battle Ravana is defeated and Sita is successfully rescued.
Rama and Sita return to Ayodhya to begin Rama’s rule. However, Sita is suspected of infidelity during her time with Ravana so to placate his subjects Rama banishes Sita to the forest. While there, Sita gives birth to Rama's sons. Sita and Rama are eventually reunited after many years but even after all this time, Sita is still under suspicion. To prove her innocence she prepares to enter fire. The gods testify to her fidelity and Agni, the fire god, rises from the flames and restores Sita to Rama.
Dance, Music, Puppet Shows and more…
Accompanying the exhibition will be a full programme of events, including film screenings, gallery talks and family events as well as music, dance and puppetry performances. Full details of all events can be obtained from the British Library's website.
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