Ramayana, The Lesser Heroes - Swarn Mrigya, The Golden Deer 

Critical to the main story, but rarely spoken of, and never in the same hushed whispers of awed reverence as the protagonists, the series  attempts to highlight the lesser heroes of a magnificent epic, without whom the epic itself would have paled in its essence.

Presenting, a representation of the Golden Deer, who won the heart of Sita, and cleared the path for her abduction. Though in reality a demon – Mareech, who first tried to dissuade the antagonist from his devious desires, gave in to the command and displayed all the virtues of a hero: selflessness, duty bound and 'loyal unto death'. Notably the artist has depicted hand Mudras that indicate wiping of tears and fragrance, both that allude to baiting Sita.

The Epic has international reach and popularity - from the coasts of India to the shores of the Indonesian Islands (not just Hindu Bali). Hence characters have forms that are not necessarily ‘Indian’ in their appearance.

Acrylic on canvas 36”X36” / 2012
Status: Acquired by Gallery Archana, Kualalumpur, Malaysia