Artwork

Leaf from a Romance of Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavati of Upendra Bhanja (Indian, died 1740)

Leaf from a Romance of Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavati of Upendra Bhanja (Indian, died 1740) is an unspecified painting by the Indian Miniature artist Unknown. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1979.21
Credit line: Edward L. Whittemore Fund

About this work

Overview

This palm leaf is a single illustration from an 18th-century manuscript of 'Romance of Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavati' by Upendra Bhanja, originating from Odisha, India. It depicts a chaotic battle scene.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates a pivotal moment from the epic battle between Ravana, the multi-headed demon (second from the right), and Rama, with the latter's army of monkeys and bears armed with natural weaponry.

Technique & Style

The image was crafted using a stylus to incise lines into the palm leaf, followed by a charcoal rubbing technique. Charcoal was applied and then wiped off, leaving black ink only in the incised grooves, characteristic of traditional palm-leaf manuscripts from Eastern India.

History & Provenance

Part of an 18th-century manuscript from Odisha, India, attributed to the period of Upendra Bhanja (died 1740), though specific provenance details of this leaf are not provided.

Context

This manuscript page reflects the storytelling traditions of Odisha, where palm-leaf manuscripts were a common medium for narrating epic and romantic tales, with the technique used here being typical of the region.

Legacy

As part of Upendra Bhanja’s works, it contributes to the preserved literary and artistic heritage of Odisha, showcasing traditional narration methods through palm-leaf illustrations.