The Abduction of Sita by Demon King Ravana

The epics have influenced the lives of the simple Madhubani folks. They narrate their tales with enthusiasm and also depict them in their art. Rama is the role model for the perfect male and Sita, as the most devoted wife.

Ravana, angry at his sister Soprpnakha's mutilation, pledges to avenge her humiliation. He plans to abduct Rama's wife with the help of Maricha who agrees to turn himself into a golden deer for Rama to go hunting for it leaving Sita alone. It would make Ravana's plan easy to execute. Ravana's devious plan worked and here we see the villain, overjoyed at the success. Besides his ten heads, what is prominent is the mark of Shiva, as Ravana was his devotee & derived his power from Shiva. Sita, seen in profile, is miserable. Her gesture indicates her anguish. Both of them can be seen in Ravana's flying chariot. It is a well-executed theme in bright colours.

The background has equally bright coloured flowers and leaves, vying for attention as much as the protagonist and therein lies the flow. Either of two should be subdued to let the other gather impact and attention.

This description by Renu Rana.