Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman Being Worshiped by a Crowd, drawing for a Ramayana c. early 18th century

Curator: The piece before us, from an unknown artist, depicts Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman Being Worshiped by a Crowd. It is a drawing intended for a Ramayana, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels unfinished, almost like a fleeting snapshot capturing a moment of collective devotion. The fragility of the paper adds to that sense. Curator: The lack of details really allows us to consider the social dynamics, the power structures inherent in this act of worship and how the Ramayana became such a powerful narrative in shaping cultural identity. Editor: Absolutely, the anonymity of the artist underscores how these stories transcend individual authorship to reflect collective values and aspirations, but I wonder about the implications of depicting these figures as objects of worship. Is it reinforcing hierarchical structures? Curator: That's the tension, isn't it? It both reflects and reinforces these dynamics, offering a lens through which to examine evolving social mores. Editor: It gives us so much to unpack! The role of devotion, its place in shaping and reflecting socio-political landscapes... Curator: Indeed, the image offers a glimpse into both the power and complexity of cultural narratives.