About the Book
Book: Ram Viraje Rangon Mein
Author: Dr. Rooplekha Chauhan
Publisher: Prabhat Publications
Price: Rs 2,500
Dr. Rooplekha Chauhan’s Ram Viraje Rangon Mein is a vibrant artistic exploration of the Ramayana through Madhubani art
Dr Rooplekha Chauhan’s Ram Viraje Rangon Mein is a stunning and evocative visual and spiritual journey through the epic narrative of the Ramcharitmanas. Drawing creative inspiration from her lifelong devotion to Lord Shri Ram, Chauhan blends her mastery of Madhubani art with the profound wisdom of the Ramayana to create a series of paintings that transcend mere aesthetics. Published by Prabhat Publications, this book is both an artistic homage and a devotional offering of a sacred heart to her deity.
The preface introduces this beautiful book as "a series of paintings" that depict the major episodes of the Ramcharitmanas through Madhubani art, making it a priceless possession for sadhakas and devotees of Lord Rama. The painter in Dr Chauhan writes, "My colours and my brush became the medium of my spiritual practice, worship, and prayer." The creative brushwork of the artist moves sequentially through pivotal moments of Lord Ram’s life, starting with Goswami Tulsidas and culminating in Ram’s coronation and the Ashwamedha Yagna. Through this artistic journey, Dr Chauhan articulates her personal spiritual growth, stating that the project brought her "immense mental peace and strength."
Dr Rooplekha Chauhan's paintings capture the essence of Lord Ram’s life with a unique blend of devotion and artistry. Episodes such as Sita’s Swayamvar, the rescue of Ahalya, and the Agni Pariksha are rendered with intricate designs, vibrant colours, and deep symbolism. The Madhubani style, known for its geometric patterns and vivid hues, serves as a perfect medium to narrate these divine stories. As Dr Chauhan points out, these paintings are “not just paintings, but also have valuable messages inherent in them, which silently communicate between the literate and the illiterate.” The book highlights a fusion of artistic styles and the cultural heritage of Lord Rama. While deeply steeped in traditional Madhubani art, Chauhan also incorporates elements of Gond art. This innovative approach enriches the visual narrative, providing a fresh perspective on the timeless tale.
The paintings follow a chronological order, beginning with the divine birth of Lord Ram, moving through his formative years, exile and eventual return to Ayodhya. The artist’s ability to depict the emotional intensity of scenes like Sita’s abduction or Jatayu’s sacrifice brings a narrative coherence to the series, making it more than just a collection of isolated artworks.
Chauhan shares her personal journey from a medical professional to an artist deeply immersed in spirituality. After retiring as Dean of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, she rediscovered her childhood passion for art. Her decision to focus on Madhubani paintings of Ramcharitmanas episodes reflects her desire to merge her artistic talents with her spiritual inclinations.
The book also documents the recognition Chauhan’s work has received at national and international forums. Her participation in the Second and Third International Ramayana Conferences highlights the universal appeal of her art, which transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. The book artistically captures many significant themes and episodes from the Ramayana. For instance, in the ‘Kaushalya’s Vision’ section, the celestial form of baby Ram, as revealed to Mother Kaushalya, is depicted with breathtaking intricacy, emphasising the divine nature of the protagonist. Similarly, in the section of Sita’s Swayamvar, the artist has brought this pivotal moment to life through vibrant depictions of the assembly, reflecting the grandeur and sanctity of the event. In the section of Agni Pariksha, the artist in Chauhan captures the emotional turmoil of this episode and offers a poignant visual interpretation of Sita’s resilience and purity. Lastly, in the section of Ashwamedha Yagna, the culmination of Lord Ram’s earthly journey is presented as a symbolic assertion of dharma and the fulfilment of divine purpose.
Dr Rooplekha Chauhan’s work exemplifies the transformative power of art. Her paintings, while visually captivating, also resonate with a deeper spiritual message. The detailed brushwork and use of traditional motifs pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of India. Additionally, the autobiographical notes add a personal dimension, allowing readers to connect with the artist’s inner journey.
To sum up, Ram Viraje Rangon Mein is a vibrant testimony to Dr Rooplekha Chauhan’s devotion, artistic talent, and cultural consciousness. It serves as both a visual feast for art enthusiasts and a spiritual guide for devotees of Lord Ram. As Chauhan aptly remarks, “The fame of Shri Ram is eternal and infinite, yet the human intellect has moulded it in its own form.” This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, spirituality, and Indian cultural traditions.
— About the reviewer: Dr Shaleen Kumar Singh heads the Department of English at Swami Shukdevanand College, Shahjahanpur (UP) and can be contacted at shaleen@sscollegespn.ac.in