Shri Rampanchayatan
Size: 19.75 x 14.75 in (50.2 x 37.5 cm)
Date of printing: late 1878
The original painting of this was done by Bheeva Sutar, which was photographed by Rajaram Rangoba. It was then painted by Balkrishna Joshi for the chromolithograph from its photograph. This lithograph was the first political and commercial success for Chitrashala Press, selling more than 2000 copies in the first instance. It was so popular that by 1881 they had already published the 3rd edition (image below). Rama was the perfect Hindu fighting king for the then freedom fighters of Maharashtra. Rama makes the vitarka mudra with his right hand, signaling his devotees to follow him.
Sita is seated on her husband’s knee on the throne. The skins of Rama and his brother Bharata are blue as both of them have been created by Vishnu. On the right are Rama’s twin brothers, Shatrughna and Lakshmana holding their bow. On left, the monkey god Hanuman joins his palms together as a homage to Rama and his royalty.