Folio from a Ramayana manuscript, text in Devanagari. Marwar, circa 1790.

Gouache and gold on paper. 12.2 x 20.8cm

Using continuous narrative two episodes from the Ramayana are told simultaneously:

• On the left Rama and Lakshmana request that Hanuman and Sugriva find Sita;
• on the right Hanuman has found Sita imprisoned in Lanka, underneath the Ashoka tree. Her she-demon warders acquiesce and show deference