Ramayana miniatures go on show in Canberra

Canberra: An exhibition of 101 vintage miniature paintings that string together a grand narrative of the ancient Indian epic 'Ramayana' opened at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) here, said a statement.

Titled "The story of Rama: Indian Miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi", the three-month show features paintings done between the 17th and 19th centuries. And it is the first major initiative under a recently-inked agreement on culture between India and Australia.

NGA director Gerard Vaughan said the exhibition of "vibrant and exquisite Indian miniature paintings is important" for the gallery.

"It forms part of our commitment to share the art and rich cultural heritage of India with all Australians," he said.

The exhibition began on Wednesday and is open till August 23, 2015. In November 2014 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of arts and culture between Australia and India was inked during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the continent-country.

The agreement demonstrates India's readiness to partner with countries and celebrate the arts, pointed out India's High Commissioner Navdeep Suri.

"We hope that all Australians enjoy these wonderful works of art that reveal one of my country's most well-known stories," he said.

National Museum's curator Vijay Kumar Mathur, who has selected the 101 paintings in Achronological progression capturing the story of the Ramayana, revealed that the collection had been pooled in from India's northern, central and eastern territories.

"These miniatures are from schools such as Mughal, Deccan, Pahari, Rajasthan and Central India. They represent a matured movement that colourfully visualises the spirit of the Ramayana," he said.