by Ranjha. From Nala and Damayanti series
Kangra School. Late 18th century AD
During their conversation, repeatedly Damayanti asks Nala as to who he is. But he evades the question. Suddenly the swan appears and tells Nala to reveal his identity. Nala tells Damayanti that he is Nala. She comes face to face with her lover.
Ranjha has caught the palace in all its details. The lovers sitting in a room with two maids; the fawn and the ducks at the fountain. The fawn is symbol of the lost lover. The maids are busy preparing Damayanti's bed; another maid fills the pitcher with water. Possible symbol of the neptual night and fulfilling of desires. The maids are the eyewitnesses before whom the entire drama unfolds.
Nala is the ever obedient person who refuses to reveal his identity although asked to do so. He is the symbol of a person doing his duty even if it harms his own interest. That is dharma--a concept central to the culture of ancient India. A concept forgotten in modern India. We need to bring back the concept of righteous duty back into our lives.
Ranjha has caught the palace in all its details. The lovers sitting in a room with two maids; the fawn and the ducks at the fountain. The fawn is symbol of the lost lover. The maids are busy preparing Damayanti's bed; another maid fills the pitcher with water. Possible symbol of the neptual night and fulfilling of desires. The maids are the eyewitnesses before whom the entire drama unfolds.
Nala is the ever obedient person who refuses to reveal his identity although asked to do so. He is the symbol of a person doing his duty even if it harms his own interest. That is dharma--a concept central to the culture of ancient India. A concept forgotten in modern India. We need to bring back the concept of righteous duty back into our lives.
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