Ashta Nayikas (eight heroines) are among the most painted Pahari themes. Consider the following statements about these heroines:
(A) Utka is the one who is anticipating the arrival of her beloved and patiently waits for him.
(B) Kalahantarita is the one whose husband is subject to her will.
(C) Vasaksajja awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage and decorates the bed with flowers.
(D) Abhisarika is the one who hastens to meet her beloved braving all hazards.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (C) and (D) only
A. Utka is the one who is anticipating the arrival of her beloved and patiently waits for him. — Correct.
B. Kalahantarita is the one whose husband is subject to her will. — Incorrect. This describes Svandhinpatika. Kalahantarita resists her beloved when he seeks to soften her pride, and repents when he comes late.
C. Vasaksajja awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage and decorates the bed with flowers. — Correct. She decorates the bed as a welcoming gesture.
D. Abhisarika is the one who hastens to meet her beloved braving all hazards. — Correct. Among the Ashta Nayikas, she is painted with the most flair.
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.” “Abhisarika Nayika 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.” |