Nala Going Out of His Palace
by Ranjha. From the Nala Damayanti series.
Kangra School. Late 18th century AD.
Kings also need diversion. Having conquered many kingdoms, having returned to his capital, Nala is going out to his pleasure garden rendered in the distance at the top right corner of the painting. Nala is lost in his own thoughts while his soldiers walk animatedly in front and his courtiers gallop behind him. In the distance, his army marches; they are engaged in a mock battle. In the distance we see the dawn breaking out. Perhaps an element borrowed from Fattu's paintings.
Despite all the activities around him, Nala is detached, and solemn. His portrait has the regal quality og a Mughal portrait of a king or a prince. His detachment is a reflection of the Hindu ideal of a king. He should be absorbed in the workings of the world, yet he should be detached from this world as the world is nothing but an illusion.
Despite all the activities around him, Nala is detached, and solemn. His portrait has the regal quality og a Mughal portrait of a king or a prince. His detachment is a reflection of the Hindu ideal of a king. He should be absorbed in the workings of the world, yet he should be detached from this world as the world is nothing but an illusion.
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