by Ranjha. From the Nala Damayanti series.
Kangra School. Late 18th century AD.
Having met Damayanti, the Swan returns to Nala to convey her message.
Sitting under a tree, Nala attentively listens to the Swan. His
retainers are concerned about Nala's speaking to and listening to a
Swan. Even the figures in the background are in animated conversation.
Something is amiss.
Ranjha again depicts a 'charbagh' pleasure garden as the setting of this episode. The Mughals had brought the Persian concept of the four gardens surrounding a building in the center. The Humayun's tomb and Safdarjung's tomb in Delhi are classic example of charbagh concept. Here Nala's pleasure pavilion is the central building. We know it as a pleasure pavilion as it has a carpet and bolsters. It is surrounded by fountains and flowers and by lush green trees and shrubs. Despite the idylic setting, there is a sense of suspense.
The pleasure garden is a symbol of life: smooth flowing, yet unsettled.
Ranjha again depicts a 'charbagh' pleasure garden as the setting of this episode. The Mughals had brought the Persian concept of the four gardens surrounding a building in the center. The Humayun's tomb and Safdarjung's tomb in Delhi are classic example of charbagh concept. Here Nala's pleasure pavilion is the central building. We know it as a pleasure pavilion as it has a carpet and bolsters. It is surrounded by fountains and flowers and by lush green trees and shrubs. Despite the idylic setting, there is a sense of suspense.
The pleasure garden is a symbol of life: smooth flowing, yet unsettled.
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