Sita Bhumi Pravesh

Sita Bhumi Pravesh by Raja Ravi Varma is his first picture painted from the Ramayana. On the reverse of the canvas is written "Ravi Varmah Coil Tampuran, 12 November 1880". This was the first painting by the artist to enter the Royal Gaekwad Collection at Baroda. It is said that it was Maharaja Vishakam Thirunal of Travancore who had suggested that Ravi Varma paint a picture of this theme. In view of a diplomatic faux-pas, Maharaja Visakham Thirunal considered Ravi Varma persona non-grata soon after this painting was finished. Dewan Madhava Row, is said to have acquired this painting and presented it to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. With this painting, the patronage of the Baroda Royals for the artist would commence leading on to a very endearing relationship. It is interesting to observe that just as Ravi Varma was rejected at the Travancore Court, so is Sita by Rama in this painting. Just as Sita is embraced and rescued by Mother Earth, so was Ravi Varma by the patronage of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Raja Ravi Varma captures the dramatic scene when Rama questions the fidelity and chastity of Sita, who enraged and distraught, implores Mother Earth to take her back.