Hanuman Fetches The Herb Bearing Mountain
The painting Hanuman Fetches the Herb-Bearing Mountain by Raja Ravi Varma depicts an iconic moment from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Printed by Ravi Varma Press in the 1910s, it showcases Hanuman, the monkey god, in a heroic act of carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. This work is a perfect blend of Indian mythology portrayed with Western artistic techniques, reflecting Varma's dedication to popularizing these timeless tales. It remains a widely accessible and appreciated piece, especially for its pioneering role in Indian art history.
1900s
About the Artwork
This significant artwork by Raja Ravi Varma illustrates a dramatic episode from the Ramayana where Hanuman embarks on a quest to find a healing herb needed to save Lakshmana. In urgency and valiant spirit, Hanuman lifts the entire Sanjeevani mountain, ensuring the survival of Lord Rama's beloved brother. Ravi Varma Press played a key role in democratizing art, making mythology accessible to a broader audience at the time, and inspiring future generations.
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Did You Know
Raja Ravi Varma was one of the first to effectively pioneer the use of Western naturalism in Indian painting, making mythological stories visually accessible.
The Ravi Varma Press was instrumental in mass production of art in India, allowing the lower classes access to religious and mythological imagery previously reserved for the elite.
The painting is in the public domain in India, allowing educational tools and reproductions to use it freely, thus continuing its cultural and historical impact.
