Building the Bridge to Lanka 1736 - 1770

This drawing by the Seu Family visualizes a scene from the epic Ramayana, depicting the construction of a bridge to Lanka. The image offers insight into the cultural and religious life of its time. The Seu Family were active artists in the Punjab Hills region, an area known for its vibrant artistic traditions and synthesis of Hindu and Mughal artistic styles. In this drawing, the army of monkeys can be seen building the bridge to Lanka. In the Hindu context, the Ramayana is not just a story, but a moral and spiritual guide. Visual depictions of its key scenes served to reinforce religious values and social norms within the community. Patrons of these artworks, often local rulers or wealthy merchants, played a crucial role in shaping artistic production. Understanding this drawing requires considering the religious, social, and political context in which it was created. Scholarly resources can provide a deeper insight into the artistic traditions of the Punjab Hills and the role of the Ramayana in shaping cultural identity.