Saturday 10 May 2014

The Swooning of Damayanti

The Swooning of Damayanti


by Ranjha. From the Nala Damayanti series
Kangra School.  Late 18th century AD


              The pangs of separation reach a zenith.  Unable to bear the pain of separation,  Damayanti faints. There is utter confusion and commotion in her inner apartment. The old maid rushes in with a incense burner to clear the air; every maid tries to 'fan' Damayanti with whatever she can lay her hands on--even if it is a cushion.  Few maids, imagining the worst,  start weeping. News is sent to Raja Bhima, who arrives with his minister and the physician.  Both tell him that nothing can be done as Damayanti is love struck. The physician, with folded hands, tells the king the only remedy is a herb called "Nala". The news of Damayanti's condition has escaped the palace. The anxious people have started gathering in front of her palace. The door keeper is lost, unable to answer the questions.  He too is saddened by the news. The moonless night stretches on.
             Although not warranted by the text of the story,  Ranjha has purposefully depicted the scene at night. To make the scene more dramatic.  The flickering of the shadows on the wall makes the scene more omnibus.  All is not well in the kingdom of Raja Bhima.
            Too much of love can be harmful. Though Kaam (love or sexual desire) was one of the four goals of Hindu life, but excess is dangerous.

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