Lakshmana and Sugriva Being Carried by Palanquin to Receive Rama's Blessings: Folio from the dispersed “Mankot" Ramayana series

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This depiction does not match the regal description of the event in the Ramayana: "Sugriva and Lakshmana mounted the golden litter that shone like the sun andwas supported by a large number of monkeys. A white canopy was spread over Sugriva's head and magnificent fans made of yaks' tails were waived about him. Eulogized by bards, to the sound of conches and trumpets, he set out in regal state." Here, Lakshmana and the monkey king Sugriva are conversing in a palanquin carried by four monkeys to offer allegiance to Rama. Leading the way through the forest are Hanuman and the bear king Jambavan and accompanying monkeys. This page, along with Hanuman before Rama and Lakshmana, is part of a large Ramayana series thought to be from the court studio at Mankot.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art