The meeting of Rama and Parasurama, painted by Manohar (Mewar school, 1649)

Source: Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Folder VII, Meeting of Rama and Parasurama, Published by the Trustees, 1968. Scan by FWP, Sept. 2001.

"The painting (size 24.8 x 15.9 cm) illustrates folio 76 of a large MS. of the Balakanda of Valmiki's Ramayana, painted by Manohar for one Acharya Jasavant, in V.S. 1706 (A.D. 1649) at Udaipur in Rajasthan. To the left are Rama and his brothers on chariots accompanied by Dasaratha, who rides a white horse, and numerous retainers. In the centre they are shown standing on the ground after dismounting. Opposite them is the gigantic form of Parasurama holding his axe and behind him are the gods, amongst whom Brahman is easily recognizable. Below we again see Rama and Parasurama facing each other, and to the extreme right we observe the sage walking away, apparently satisfied.

The artist has actually combined three scenes in one picture, namely the marriage procession, the encounter between Rama and Parasurama, and finally Parasurama's departure."