British Museum: South Asia
1. Ravana: 1700s, South India
2. Rama: Late 1500s or 1600s, South India
The Ramayana narrates the adventures of prince Rama, who was banned trom the kingdom of Ayodhya after a successful plot against him. Later, his wife Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka (1). This ivory figure once carried a different weapon in each of his many hands. In the second ivory carving, probably once part of a shrine, Rama sits in a despondent mood after Sita's abduction, while his brother Lakshmana stands loyally by his side (2).
3 Hanuman
With the help of the monkey-hero Hanuman, depicted here, the demon king Ravana was eventually defeated. Sita was rescued and, along with her husband Rama and his brother Lakshmana, returned to Ayodhya where Rama was crowned. On this plaque Hanuman carries the magic plant that cured Lakshmana, who was wounded on the battlefield. Hanuman, who became Rama's most faithful devotee, is worshipped and admired for his strength and loyalty.
4 Rama
Upon their return to Ayodhya, doubts were raised about Sita's chastity after her long stay with the demon king Ravana. Her husband Rama, under pressure from the public, banished her from his kingdom. This act unleashed a tragic chain of events that overshadowed the last years of his life. Although Rama is an incarnation of the supreme Hindu god Vishnu, he has become a deity in his own right and is worshipped as the ideal king and the epitome of righteousness.
SIKHISM, LIFE AT COURT AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING
1600-1900
Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of South Asia around 1500. It was founded by Guru Nanak and is based on his teachings, along with those of the nine Sikh gurus that followed him. The Sikh place of worship is called a gurdwara. Here, the Guru Granth Sahib scriptures are recited and food and shelter is offered to all.
A Sikh kingdom was established in the Punjab in 1801. Other surrounding kingdoms in Rajasthan and the Punjab Hills were governed by Rajput rulers. The complex interactions between Rajput rulers and Mughal emperors from the late 1500s onwards resulted in the development of great traditions of painting exploring courtly, romantic and mythological themes. Beyond the court, storytelling has been an integral part of South Asian culture for millennia.
SOUTH ASIA
South Asia includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The region is home to numerous ancient and modern languages, such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindi and Urdu. The many religions practised there include the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, Sikh and Christian faiths.
The cultural diversity of South Asia has produced some of the world's greatest art, architecture, literature and music. This gallery explores South Asia's history, from 1.5 million years ago to the present day. Trade, exchange, migration and political power are some of the themes examined here.
British Museum: South Asia
1. Ravana: 1700s, South India
2. Rama: Late 1500s or 1600s, South India
The Ramayana narrates the adventures of prince Rama, who was banned trom the kingdom of Ayodhya after a successful plot against him. Later, his wife Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka (1). This ivory figure once carried a different weapon in each of his many hands. In the second ivory carving, probably once part of a shrine, Rama sits in a despondent mood after Sita's abduction, while his brother Lakshmana stands loyally by his side (2).
3 Hanuman
With the help of the monkey-hero Hanuman, depicted here, the demon king Ravana was eventually defeated. Sita was rescued and, along with her husband Rama and his brother Lakshmana, returned to Ayodhya where Rama was crowned. On this plaque Hanuman carries the magic plant that cured Lakshmana, who was wounded on the battlefield. Hanuman, who became Rama's most faithful devotee, is worshipped and admired for his strength and loyalty.
4 Rama
Upon their return to Ayodhya, doubts were raised about Sita's chastity after her long stay with the demon king Ravana. Her husband Rama, under pressure from the public, banished her from his kingdom. This act unleashed a tragic chain of events that overshadowed the last years of his life. Although Rama is an incarnation of the supreme Hindu god Vishnu, he has become a deity in his own right and is worshipped as the ideal king and the epitome of righteousness.
SIKHISM, LIFE AT COURT AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING
1600-1900
Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of South Asia around 1500. It was founded by Guru Nanak and is based on his teachings, along with those of the nine Sikh gurus that followed him. The Sikh place of worship is called a gurdwara. Here, the Guru Granth Sahib scriptures are recited and food and shelter is offered to all.
A Sikh kingdom was established in the Punjab in 1801. Other surrounding kingdoms in Rajasthan and the Punjab Hills were governed by Rajput rulers. The complex interactions between Rajput rulers and Mughal emperors from the late 1500s onwards resulted in the development of great traditions of painting exploring courtly, romantic and mythological themes. Beyond the court, storytelling has been an integral part of South Asian culture for millennia.
SOUTH ASIA
South Asia includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The region is home to numerous ancient and modern languages, such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindi and Urdu. The many religions practised there include the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, Sikh and Christian faiths.
The cultural diversity of South Asia has produced some of the world's greatest art, architecture, literature and music. This gallery explores South Asia's history, from 1.5 million years ago to the present day. Trade, exchange, migration and political power are some of the themes examined here.