Which trait marks the Utka among the Ashta Nayikas painted in the Pahari schools?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Waiting patiently for the arrival of her beloved
Option (1) Waiting patiently for the arrival of her beloved — Correct. Utka anticipates the arrival of her beloved and patiently waits for him.
Option (2) Having her husband subject to her will — Incorrect. A husband subject to her will marks Svandhinpatika.
Option (3) Decorating the bed with flowers to welcome her beloved — Incorrect. Decorating the bed with flowers marks Vasaksajja, who awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage.
Option (4) Hastening to meet her beloved braving all hazards — Incorrect. Hastening to meet the beloved braving all hazards marks the Abhisarika.
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.” |