CANBERRA.- Today the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra opened The story of Rama: Indian Miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi, the first major initiative under the Australia-India Memorandum of Understanding on Arts and Culture.

‘This exhibition of vibrant and exquisite Indian miniature paintings is important for the Gallery, and forms part of our commitment to share the art and rich cultural heritage of India with all Australians’ said Gerard Vaughan, Director.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Arts and Culture between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia in November 2014.

‘Today, this landmark agreement comes to life, and demonstrates our readiness to partner with countries in our region and celebrate the arts. We hope that all Australians enjoy these wonderful works of art that reveal one of my country’s most well-known stories’ said His Excellency Mr Navdeep Suri, the High Commissioner of India in Australia.

One of the world’s great epics, the Ramayana is a tale of love, loyalty, betrayal and victory of good over evil. It follows the story of the hero Rama, an exemplary prince, admired for his honour, valour and compassion. Great adventure unfolds when Rama’s beloved wife Sita is abducted by Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka.

Created between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, each of the 101 paintings illustrates a key moment from the narrative. The finely detailed paintings, in a rich diversity of regional styles, were selected from the National Museum’s collection of over 17,000 miniatures – the largest in the world.

‘We are delighted to share with all Australians the story of Ramayana, one that transcends generations and is reflective of our rich and deep culture’ said Mr Sanjiv Mittal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Director General, National Museum, New Delhi.

The exhibition is open from 22 May until 23 August and entry is free of charge.