Tracing Rama’s Footsteps

Tracing the Footsteps of The Ramayana in Sri Lanka

The Ramayana, or Rama’s Journey, is India’s first great Sanskrit poem, composed by the Indian sage Valmiki in 400 AD, who based his epic work on stories, songs and prayers connected to Rama and Sita. Whilst the Ramayana’s origins are in Hinduism, it has since been retold in many different languages and art forms and is celebrated in cultures spanning South and Southeast Asia.

The epic tells the journey – both geographic and spiritual – of the dutiful Lord Rama, Prince of Ayodhya. Rama was exiled from his father’s kingdom for 14 years along with his wife Sita and brother Laxmana. His beloved Sita is later abducted by Ravana, the demon king of the island of Lanka – an act that leads to war, the burning of the capital city of Lankapura, and the besieging of Ravana’s fabled island fortress.

Lord Rama Victorious, Kangra or Guler, circa, 1800, opaque pigments with gold on paper, 37.5 x 29 cm.

Courtesy of Rita Dixit Miniatures