In the sculpture gallery of the State Museum, a wonderful sculpture of a couple attracted me, in fact, I had not seen such a sculpture in this attire till now. Coming closer, I saw the tag and it was a 13th century masterpiece of Ram Sita which was procured from Dhar MP.
This is an attempt to give a brief description of the Ram Sita Sculpture displayed in the State Museum, Bhopal.
The royal attire worn by Ram Sita in the sculpture evokes the imagination of royalty, especially illustrates Lord Rama’s coronation (Pattabhishekam) or as a divine king, after exile.
The sculpture depicts Ram Sita in royal splendor for the Pattabhishekam, or coronation ceremony, an important event.
The royal attire and weapons are beautifully depicted by the sculptor with the symbols of their sovereignty and divine status. Ram Sita are depicted in royal attire which includes a dhoti, an upper garment which contains the Sun as Lord Ram belongs to Solar dynasty, and a magnificent cylindrical crown. This specific crown is a Kirita Mukut which is worn by Vishnu or his incarnation like Ram, this crown is considered the highest in all crowns. It resembles a cylindrical cap ending with an ornamental top, its centre featuring a raised jewelled disc on the front and it contains the jewelled vertical bands present from its top to bottom.
Right hand of Lord Ram which is raised to the shoulder might be holding shawl and something close to the waist, which has been broken and something is hanging on the elbow of the right hand. The left hand is touching Sita ji’s breast passing through her armpit, this is described as Kuca Sparsa Pose significant to the caressing and affection. His face illustrates the strength, open eyes with bow shaped joined eyebrows, straight nose are exquisitely carved facial divine features. This is the scene of Lord Rama’s coronation hence carved with full body armour.
Sita’s right hand is in an embrace pose on Ram’s shoulder and she has a sweet smile on her face. There is a lotus with a long stalk in her left hand. The royal dress is carved very beautifully. The breast band is beautifully depicted. Stambhabandha means a decorative band on the breasts. It is also called Kuca bandha, which is also a symbol of modesty. The sculptor has made Sita wear various ornaments to complete her aesthetic sense and to highlight her feminine form. There is a crown in the form of a cone which is having five tiers and the centre is adorned with jewels, on her hair. The bow-shaped joined eyebrows on the eyes, eyes wide open and long eyelashes, a pointed nose and an attractive round face are symbols of divinity.
This divine couple represents the ideal qualities of love, duty and steadfastness.
This is the first stone sculpture which I have come across of Lord Ram and Sita without bow and arrows.