Picture Details
A neem tree
Partner:
British LibraryImage reference:
BL.WD.4402.pp44Origin:
North, IndiaArtist / Date:
Sita Ram, 1810-1820Description:
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This drawing is from a scrapbook containing watercolours, pencil sketches and maps by various artists including Sir Charles D'Oyly and Sita Ram, an important 19th century Indian artist trained in the new style of watercolour technique and composition introduced by English artists. This neem tree is executed in the free and impressionistic style favoured by Sita Ram. The neem is an iconic tree of the Indian landscape. The Sanskrit name of the neem tree, nimba, means 'bestower of health'. Besides being a natural insect repellent, its healing properties are considered nothing short of miraculous. Over 700 herbal preparations involving neem are found in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani traditions. Its twigs form the traditional Indian toothbrush, its leaf juice is taken as a tonic, its leaves are scattered in beds, books, grain bins, cupboards and trunks to keep away insects and its extracts are used in healing skin creams.
