In Pahari paintings of the Ashta Nayikas (eight heroines), which heroine resists her beloved when he seeks to soften her pride and repents when he comes late?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Kalahantarita
Option (1) Utka — Incorrect. Utka is the heroine who anticipates the arrival of her beloved and waits patiently for him. She waits patiently; she does not resist him.
Option (2) Svandhinpatika — Incorrect. Svandhinpatika is the heroine whose husband is subject to her will. Her husband is under her will; she is not shown resisting or repenting.
Option (3) Vasaksajja — Incorrect. Vasaksajja awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage and decorates the bed with flowers to welcome him. She prepares a welcome; she does not resist him.
Option (4) Kalahantarita — Correct. Kalahantarita resists her beloved when he seeks to soften her pride, and repents when he comes late.
NCERT (2026-27): “Depiction of Ashta Nayikas or eight heroines is one of the most painted themes in Pahari paintings, involving the depiction of women in various dispositions and emotive states. To mention a few — Utka is the one who is anticipating the arrival of her beloved and patiently waits for him, Svandhinpatika is the one whose husband is subject to her will, Vasaksajja awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage and decorates the bed with flowers in a welcoming gesture, and Kalahantarita is the one who resists her beloved when he seeks to soften her pride and repents when he comes late.” |