Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana being Honored by Sages, Hanuman, and his Army
Unknown Artist
17th–18th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
H. 5 15/16 in. (15.1 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); D. 3/8 in. (1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
India (Tamil Nadu) · Nayaka period
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Klejman, 1962
Accession Number
62.34.2
Art Historical Context
This exquisite ivory sculpture from India's Nayaka period (17th18th century) captures a pivotal moment from the epic Ramayana: Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana receiving honors from wise sages, the devoted monkey god Hanuman, and hisara army. Carved in Tamil Nadu, a vibrant center of South Indian culture under Nayaka rulers—who succeeded the Vijayanagara Empire—this piece celebrates themes of dharma (righteousness), devotion, and triumph, central to Hindu mythology. Such scenes were popular in temple rituals and royal courts, embodying the era's deep reverence for epic narrati...