The Glory of Court of Nala

The Glory of Court of Nala

by Ranjha (1750-1830) From the Nala Damayanti series.
Kangra School.  Late 18th century AD.


                Ranjha was the youngest son of Nainsukh, the famous Kangra painter. Ranjha painted the story of Nala and Damayanti in a series of miniatures called the Nala Damayanti series. These paintings can be seen in Jammu. They are available in the museum owned by Raja Karan Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. 
                The story of Nala and Damayanti is originally told in the Hindu epic, Mahabharat.  But these paintings are based on a twelfth century version of the same story written by Sriharsa called Naisadhacaritra or simply Naisadha. Raja Nala was the king of Naisadha. Hence, the story of Naisadha.
           The story of Nala and Damayanti is a story of love and sacrifice.  But this series of paintings end with the marriage of Nala and Damayanti.  Thus, the paintings concentrate only on love.
           Nala sits in his court with his courtiers.  A courtier has just entered the court and does the 'paibosh' , the three time salutation which was done for the Mughal emperors.  Of course, Nala's court does not have the opulence and grandeur of the Mughal Court. Instead, it is a simple court of a Pahari Raja. Ranjha seems to have based it on the court of Raja of Kangra, Sansar Chand. In fact, the face of Nala resembles the portraits of Raja Sansar Chand. This is not surprising as Raja Sansar  Chand was patron of the family of Pandit Seu. Nala sits on a throne which is on the floor, unlike the Mughal throne which was kept at a height.  This reflects the close relationship between the ruler and the ruled.
            He influence of Mughal miniature is clear in Ranjha's work. But Ranjaha has learned precision from Nainsukh and delicacy of colors from his cousin brother, Fattu. But he surpases Fattu in his composition as we will soon see. 