The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe

This collection by the Asian Art Museum is a selection of works depicting the ancient Rama Epic.

The Rama Epic—recounting the struggle of Prince Rama to defeat a demonic king, rescue his abducted wife, and reestablish order in the world—has been a subject for visual and performing arts, literature, and religious thought in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia for many centuries. A huge number of artworks relating to the Rama legends have been made over the course of 1500 years in a dozen countries. The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe illustrates some of the most important episodes involving the four primary characters: the hero, Rama; the heroine, Rama's wife Sita; the ally, Rama's faithful monkey lieutenant Hanuman; and the foe, the ten-headed demon king Ravana.

• Forrest McGill, Editor

• Pika Ghosh, Introducer

• Robert P. Goldman, Author

• Sally J. Sutherland Goldman, Author

• "Surveys the visual art of the ancient Southeast Asian epic of the Ramayana—recounting the struggle of Prince Rama to defeat a demonic king, rescue his abducted wife, and re-establish order in the world."
  —Publishers Weekly
• "This book is approachable to a broad readership, a treasure-trove of art objects, and a must-read for everyone interested in the Rama story."
  —Arts of Asia
• "The 290-page catalogue is more than a supplement to the exhibition. Renowned leaders of the Valmiki Ramayana Translation Project…contribute important chapters"
  —Asian Art, Winter Quarter 2016
• "Overall, this heavy (literally) volume is a worthy addition to any library and is an informative work for those interested in adding to their knowledge of the Rama 'epic.' The large number of images and interesting and enjoyable essays make for a delightful reading experience."
  —Journal of the Siam Society
• "This book is approachable to a broad readership, a treasure-trove of art objects, and a must-read for everyone interested in the Rama story."
  —Arts of Asia