Observe the painting and read the passage given below.
This is a Puranic (ancient mythological stories) theme painting. The artist was one of the first Indian painters to use oil paint and master the art of lithographic reproduction for mythological subject. This scene is taken from Valmiki Ramayana, where Rama needs to build a bridge in southern India to the island of Lanka for his army to cross the ocean.
In the painting, why does Rama stand to shoot his fiery arrow into the ocean?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → His prayer to be allowed to cross goes unanswered.
Option (1) Ravana has abducted Sita from him. — Incorrect. Ravana carrying Sita away is the subject of another of Varma’s paintings, Ravana abducting Sita and Opposed by Jatayu. It is not what this scene shows.
Option (2) His army fails to build the bridge to Lanka. — Incorrect. Building the bridge is the task ahead of Rama. The scene does not show it failing.
Option (3) Varuna appears and stops his army from crossing. — Incorrect. Varuna appears only after Rama stands to shoot, and he appeases Rama.
Option (4) His prayer to be allowed to cross goes unanswered. — Correct. Rama prays to Varuna, the God of Ocean, to let him cross. Varuna does not respond, so Rama, in anger, stands to shoot.
NCERT (2026-27): “Rama Vanquishing the Pride of the Ocean …This scene is taken from Valmiki Ramayana, where Rama needs to build a bridge in southern India to the island of Lanka for his army to cross the ocean. He prays to the God of Ocean, Varuna, to permit him to cross the ocean but Varuna does not respond. Then, in anger, Rama stands to shoot his fiery arrow into the ocean. Immediately, Varuna appears and appeases Rama. …Varma also painted …Ravana abducting Sita and Opposed by Jatayu…”
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