This book brings together 75+ folios of the Chitra Ramayana, a previously unknown but ambitious illustrated manuscript made for the royal court of Banaras between 1796 and 1814.

It also features six essays by leading scholars that examine the manuscript’s historical, religious, literary and artistic significance. Kavita Singh explores its broader context, while Philip Lutgendorf discusses the Ramcharitmanas as a living text. Parul Singh traces earlier visual interpretations of Rama-kathas, and Heeryoon Shin examines Banaras’ architectural projects under the Narayan dynasty. Anjan Chakraverty connects the dynasty’s patronage to art history, while Richard Schechner contrasts the Chitra Ramayana with the public spectacle of Ramlila.

The book concludes with a detailed Note on Style and striking reproductions, offering fresh insights into North Indian manuscript painting in the 19th century.