Mewar Ramayana: The Largest Illustrated Ramayana

In the 16^th and 17^th centuries, Muslim rulers and artists commissioned some of the most beautiful and artistic works of Hindu epics. A Muslim painter, Sāhib Dīn, painted the largest illustrated Ramayana in History – the Mewar Ramayana. This is also perhaps one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts of Hindu mythology.

The story goes back to Mughal Emperor – Akbar.

The Mughals under Akbar began a tradition of commissioning translations and paintings of Hindu epics on an unseen scale. So great was the royal family’s love of this art, that when Akbar’s mother was on her deathbed, she asked for her copy of the illustrated Ramayana, five folios of which were made expressively for her.

But even as Akbar patronized the arts, he was at war with the Rajput kingdoms – most notable of which were the Mewars. It is from this war, and the peace that followed, that the largest illustrated Ramayana in history would be commissioned.

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