Author:
Publication: The Speaking Tree
Date: January 30, 2011
Q.: Have you read the Ramayana in its intirety?
A.: I have read the Ramayana four times - French translation of Valmiki's
Ramayana. The first time I read to know what I was doing, the second time
to choose images, the third time to see if images are in the right place and
the fourth time to read the commentary (by Amina Taha Hussein-Okada, Keeper
of Indian art at the Musee des Arts asiatiques in Paris) with the images.
The commentary is on its narrative, art and symbolism to provide remarkable
didactic and aesthetic insights into the most illustrated work of Indian culture.
Q.: And how has reading the Ramayana changed
you?
A.: It has changed me so much. I am so glad you ask this question. It has
changed the way I look at people.
All virtues that have been talked of in the Ramayana are worthwhile for everyone.
The profundity of the epic grows on you, day by day. I am a changed person
- for the better, of course.
Q.: Did it give rise to any doubts?
A.: No, no. There is more certitude in my life now about opening your heart
and living with nature and maintaining traditions and values. Rama's exemplary
life, his profound wisdom, his generosity of heart and his power have made
him a legendary hero hallowed not only in India but throughout South Asia.
Now I hope it extends to an even wider audience. Rama, as the avatar of Vishnu,
is endowed with all qualities and the highest virtues; he is the incarnation
of the dharma and the protector of the world.
Q.: Did you discover any painting that told
an unusual story?
A.: The Akbar manuscript I discovered had many things. We went through the
catalogues of auction agents like Sothebys to trace the owner of some of the
paintings. We found one that has been auctioned for 80 rupees and another
for 120 rupees! We found black-and-white images of Hanuman at Ashokvan with
Sita but it is in Karachi. Finally, we managed to get it into the book and
we now hear that the original is completely destroyed.
A former curator of the Metropolitan Museum,
New York, has a collection and he showed it tome at his home. But we do not
have permission to reproduce them.
Q.: Which of these paintings impressed you
the most?
A.: The paintings of the Ganga from the hills made in the beginning of the
18th century. Otherwise Mughal paintings, because nature is very present and
you can read the feelings of the people in the image. My favourite character
is Hanuman. He has knowledge and he is very helpful. The portion I liked the
best is when in the beginning, Rama wants to kill the a demon in the forest
during his exile, Sita asks him, "You are now an ascetic; you should
not kill," and Rama says:" I am a Kshatriya" - this is before
the abduction of Sita; it is an interesting dialogue because it reveals Rama's
duty and dharma as a Kshah triya and the pulls and pressures.. . .
Q.: How much would the illustrated Valmiki
Ramayana you are publishing, cost?
A.: The edition brings together for the first time, the whole of the epic
of the Ramayana illustrated with 700 Indian miniatures. It took 10 years'
research all over the world to select the finest paintings inspired by the
holy text - a dazzling journey to the heart of Indian art, full of colour,
delicacy and poetry. Hence the cost of one set of books (seven volumes) will
be 800 Euros or Rs 48,000 because a lot of effort has gone into it. The red
cloth has a special design with details ofMughal paintings' and geometric
designs.
We like to call ourselves publishers of basic
human stories.
