Ashta Nayikas (eight heroines) were among the most painted Pahari themes. Which of the following pairs of a nayika and her state is correctly matched?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Kalahantarita – resists her beloved, and repents when he comes late
Option (1) Utka – decorates the bed with flowers to welcome her beloved — Incorrect. Utka is the one who anticipates her beloved’s arrival and waits patiently. Decorating the bed with flowers belongs to Vasaksajja.
Option (2) Vasaksajja – patiently waits for the arrival of her beloved — Incorrect. Vasaksajja decorates the bed with flowers as she awaits her beloved’s return from a voyage. Waiting patiently for his arrival describes Utka.
Option (3) Kalahantarita – resists her beloved, and repents when he comes late — Correct. Kalahantarita resists her beloved when he tries to soften her pride, and repents when he comes late.
Option (4) Svandhinpatika – hastens to meet her beloved, braving all hazards — Incorrect. Svandhinpatika is the one whose husband is subject to her will. Hastening to meet the beloved braving all hazards is the Abhisarika.
NCERT (2026-27): “Kangra School …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.” “Kangra School …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.…” |