In this striking acrylic and ink painting, Rounak Rai captures a powerful and dramatic moment from the Ramayana—the demand of sage Vishwamitra for Ram to accompany him to the forest. This scene, steeped in tension and destiny, is rendered with bold lines, vivid colors, and stylized figures that reflect Rai’s unique narrative vision and folk-inspired style.
At the heart of the composition, the sage Vishwamitra stands with a commanding gesture, his outstretched arm pointing toward the path of duty and dharma. His figure dominates the left side of the canvas, marked by expressive eyes and a flowing beard that reflect both authority and urgency. Kneeling before him is a figure, likely Dasharatha, caught between emotion and obligation—pleading, hesitant, and visibly torn.
On the right, young Ram sits composed yet attentive, surrounded by family figures—perhaps Lakshman, queens, and courtly women—each rendered with symbolic posture and adornment. Below, young princes, likely Ram and Lakshman, are depicted again in action-oriented stances, symbolizing readiness and youthful strength.
The landscape, marked by jagged green hills and a looming full moon, enhances the gravity of the moment. The Hindi text embedded in the background brings contextual depth, anchoring the narrative in its cultural roots.
This work explores the conflict between familial love and higher responsibility—a timeless dilemma that Rai presents with clarity, rhythm, and emotional charge. Through traditional form and contemporary energy, the painting speaks to the eternal relevance of the Ramayana.
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