Among the Ashta Nayikas of Pahari painting, who anticipates the arrival of her beloved and waits patiently for him?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Utka
Option (1) Svandhinpatika — Incorrect. Svandhinpatika is the nayika whose husband is subject to her will.
Option (2) Kalahantarita — Incorrect. Kalahantarita resists her beloved when he seeks to soften her pride, and repents when he comes late.
Option (3) Utka — Correct. Utka anticipates the arrival of her beloved and patiently waits for him.
Option (4) Abhisarika — Incorrect. Abhisarika hastens to meet her beloved, braving all hazards.
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.” |