Object Image

Building the Bridge to Lanka

This scene from the epic Ramayana illustrates the heroic actions of the monkey army constructing a bridge to Lanka so that Sita could be rescued from the evil demon Ravana. The monkey army is shown hauling stones while being directed by Rama and Lakshmana, who are seated at the upper right. While the sheet is closely related to Manaku's work, the treatment of the monkeys suggests it is probably the product of his workshop.

Credit: Gift of Subhash Kapoor, in memory of his parents, Smt Shashi Kanta and Shree Parshotam Ram Kapoor, 2008...

Mid-18th century
Ink and wash on paper
22.2 x 33.0cm
2008.359.6
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection