In the Indian context, Hanuman has been a hot topic for many decades, yet there has been controversy because of the myth used to attack non-Hindu. Hanuman Chalisa is a political tool in India under the Modi rule, and many ‘attacks’ news appeared from different parts of the country in the name of Hanuman.
In the Indian epic, Ramayana brings the mythical character of Hanuman to the Indian dream with Rama, Sita, and Laxmana. Hanuman is renowned for his passionate devotion to Rama and is one of the Chiranjeevi in the epic. In the epic Ramayana, many stories are linked with Hanuman, mainly searching for Rama’s kidnapped wife, Sita. Hanuman joined other monkeys and searched for Sita in the southernmost tip of India and then to Sri Lanka. For going to Sri Lanka, Hanuman used his supernatural power, transformed into a mountain, and saw Sita in Ravana’s garden, guarded by demon warriors.
The story of Hanuman always inspired Indian devotees significantly; after Modi’s regime started, Hanuman became a tool for pointing people. This is a matter of political stunt. But what do you feel when you see a painting depicting Hanuman as a central figure? If the artist is from India, then we quickly conclude. However, the artist from Sri Lanka brings the character of Hanuman as a significant figure in the paintings, which invites the viewers’ connotations. Priyantha Udagedara, a Sri Lankan artist and art historian, displays his works in Delhi Contemporary Art Week and shows the ‘Hanuman’ element as a central figure.
