1725 (ca.), Manaku, Rama Releases the Demon Spies Shuka and Sarana -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
From the museum label: On the eve of the great battle, Ravana sends the spies Shuka and Sarana to assess the strength of Rama's armies of monkeys and bears. Vibhishana discovers the spies, arrests them, and brings them before Rama (at right). Rama, sitting with Lakshmana and Sugriva, sets them free, as they have come as "envoys" and are not armed. The demon spies are then seen entering the palace and, at the top, reporting to Ravana. They tell of the terrifying strength of Rama's generals and his invincible army. The "Siege of Lanka" series is the first that can be attributed to Manaku. It covers only the last portions of the Valmiki Ramayana and therefore can be thought of as a continuation of the series begun by his father, Pandit Seu. The large format suggests this series may have been used in conjunction with performed narrations of the text.
1725 (ca.), Manaku, Rama Releases the Demon Spies Shuka and Sarana -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
From the museum label: On the eve of the great battle, Ravana sends the spies Shuka and Sarana to assess the strength of Rama's armies of monkeys and bears. Vibhishana discovers the spies, arrests them, and brings them before Rama (at right). Rama, sitting with Lakshmana and Sugriva, sets them free, as they have come as "envoys" and are not armed. The demon spies are then seen entering the palace and, at the top, reporting to Ravana. They tell of the terrifying strength of Rama's generals and his invincible army. The "Siege of Lanka" series is the first that can be attributed to Manaku. It covers only the last portions of the Valmiki Ramayana and therefore can be thought of as a continuation of the series begun by his father, Pandit Seu. The large format suggests this series may have been used in conjunction with performed narrations of the text.