VARMA 2024.252

This oleograph is based on Ram Sagar Darp Haran, a painting by Ravi Varma now housed in Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore. The work was one of a group of 12 epic paintings illustrating stories from Hindu mythology commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda in 1888.

The scene illustrates a pivotal moment from the Rāmāyaṇa. Upon reaching the ocean’s edge in his quest to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana, Rama pleads with Varuna, the god of the sea, to allow him safe passage. When Varuna remains silent, Rama prepares to unleash the Brahmastra, a divine weapon capable of devastating the sea. Moved by this display of divine wrath, Varuna rises from the waters with his consorts to appease Rama and offer his help. While the original painting depicts Rama in a simple white dhoti, this oleograph introduces rich zardozi embellishments to the fabrics worn by each figure, adding texture and opulence to the dramatic scene.