The Swan in Damayanti's Garden
by Ranjha. From the Nala Damayanti series.
Kangra School. Late 18th century AD.
Being freed by Nala, the swan lands in Damayanti's garden. Damayanti is fascinated by the golden swan. She tries to capture it. But the swan runs away to a secluded part of the royal garden. There he tells her about Nala's feelings for her and conveys his message. Damayanti stands in rapt attention listening to the swan.
This is one of the best paintings of the Nala Damayanti series. Ranjha paints a typical 'charbagh' (four gardens) of the Mughal period. The flowers bloom in the flowerbeds; the fountain plays in the center. There is the movement of the running Damayanti, contrasted with the stillness when she is attentively listing to the swan. The Persian Wheel turns on the upper left corner of the painting--a rare image in Indian Art. The group of maids giggle and gossip when they see the princess running after a swan. Other maids and friends stroll in the garden admiring the flowering shrubs. Within the enclosure of the royal pleasure garden, life is full of vitality--of a blossoming love.
This is one of the best paintings of the Nala Damayanti series. Ranjha paints a typical 'charbagh' (four gardens) of the Mughal period. The flowers bloom in the flowerbeds; the fountain plays in the center. There is the movement of the running Damayanti, contrasted with the stillness when she is attentively listing to the swan. The Persian Wheel turns on the upper left corner of the painting--a rare image in Indian Art. The group of maids giggle and gossip when they see the princess running after a swan. Other maids and friends stroll in the garden admiring the flowering shrubs. Within the enclosure of the royal pleasure garden, life is full of vitality--of a blossoming love.
No comments:
Post a Comment