by Ranjha. From the Nala Damayanti series
Kangra School. Late 18th century AD
Having received the messages from the gods, having met Nala face to face, Damayanti is caught in the horns of dilemma: whether to marry one of the gods, or to marry Nala. At night, she ponders over the question. Meanwhile, under a moonlit night, Nala tells the gods what happened at Damayanti's palace and about her reaction to their messages. The air of anticipation, the air of confusion fills the painting. The strong shadows dancing on the wall of Damayanti's chamber add to the suspense. While Damayanti tosses and turns, others in the palace are fast asleep.
Ranjha has beautifully caught the psychological fight raging within Damayanti's mind. The shadows are of her mind or are they real, is for us to decide. The irony of the situation is well conveyed. Ranjha also shows his knowledge about the influence of Western art--the use of light--in Mughal miniatures and in the works of Nainsukh.
We too are tormented when we are caught in a dilemma. But dilemmas are part of life. Even Arjun was caught in a moral dilemma at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. We all fight our own battles as Damayanti fights hers. The nights are long while the gods discuss our fates.
Ranjha has beautifully caught the psychological fight raging within Damayanti's mind. The shadows are of her mind or are they real, is for us to decide. The irony of the situation is well conveyed. Ranjha also shows his knowledge about the influence of Western art--the use of light--in Mughal miniatures and in the works of Nainsukh.
We too are tormented when we are caught in a dilemma. But dilemmas are part of life. Even Arjun was caught in a moral dilemma at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. We all fight our own battles as Damayanti fights hers. The nights are long while the gods discuss our fates.
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