Among the Ashta Nayikas (eight heroines) of Pahari painting, which one hastens to meet her beloved braving all hazards?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Abhisarika
Option (1) Abhisarika — Correct. The Abhisarika hastens to meet her beloved braving all hazards. No nayika is painted with as much flair.
Option (2) Vasaksajja — Incorrect. Vasaksajja awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage and decorates the bed with flowers.
Option (3) Svandhinpatika — Incorrect. Svandhinpatika is the nayika whose husband is subject to her will.
Option (4) Kalahantarita — Incorrect. Kalahantarita resists her beloved and repents when he comes late.
NCERT (2026-27): “Even though describing Ashta Nayikas remained a favourite among poets and painters, none of them is treated with as much flair as the Abhisarika, one who hastens to meet her beloved braving all hazards. The situation conceived is, generally, full of bizarre and dramatic possibilities with the passion and steadfastness of the nayika, triumphing against the opposing elements of nature.” |