Sita

This image depicts a scene from the epic Hindu mythological poem, the Ramayana. Sita proves her innocence by undergoing a fire-ordeal. She is pictured sitting on a burning pyre amid fierce flames. The fire is stylised into sharp-edged flames. Her performance is witnessed by several onlookers including King Rama, Lakshman, two warriors and two monkeys. All the figures, have very large eyes, a characteristic feature of Jamini Roy's work. Jamini was a supporter of the Indian independence movement and his search for an authentic modern India was a response to this. Part of his search involved the restoration of the collaborative indigenous artisanal labour model. Thus, in his workshop he produced a range of stock motifs which his apprentices then copied, all of which were signed with his name. This work is believed to have been produced by his workshop.