Image: Rama Battles Thataka

Rama Battles Thataka

circa 1750

(Victoria and Albert Museum)

You can read more about Thataka at Wikipedia.

Image: Dasaratha and Vishvamitra

Dasaratha and Vishvamitra
circa 1780
(Image source: Metropolitan Museum)

From the Museum site: In the central scene, the ascetic sage Vishvamitra asks King Dasaratha if his sons Rama and Lakshmana can help rid him of the demons Marichi and Subahu. After much debate the king agrees, and the brothers are seen with Vishvamitra departing through a gateway (lower right) and in a distant pavilion. This event sets the stage for Rama’s and Lakshmana’s interactions with ascetics in the forest and anticipates their many battles with demons throughout the Ramayana. 

Detail:

Image: Rama and Lakshmana with Vishvamitra

Rama and Lakshmana with Vishvamitra
(Image source)

Find out more here: Eight exquisite Mughal miniatures of the Ramayana commissioned by emperor Akbar.