Untitled (Sita with the Golden Deer)

Husain has created several series of works based on the writings of the Ramayana. Influenced by the great epic, the painting depicts a critical scene right before Sita's abduction that leads into the events of the pitched battle between Rama and Ravana. Sita, the symbol and model of virtue and purity, gave up her comfortable life to join her husband in exile. The demon Ravana hatched a plan to abduct Sita by having Marich approach her in the guise of a golden deer. After years in the forest, Sita was captivated by the deer and she asked a favour of her husband to bring the beautiful animal to her. Rama was lured away but instructed his brother Laksmana to watch over his wife. Marich in turn pretended to be Rama under attack. Sita insisted that Laksmana leave her to save his brother. Laksmana fearful of disobeying his brother's orders drew a protective circle around their camp entreating Sita not to cross. While Laksmana was away, Ravana approached in the guise of an emaciated hermit begging for food and preyed upon her compassion. He persuaded her to cross the boundary whereby he reverted into his true form and flew off to the kingdom of Lanka.