Natyashastra elaborates on various nayikas, classified according to their situation in love. Early Indian writers were able to combine intimate knowledge of the passion of body and soul. 'Utka ' is she who waits and yearns for her lover.
Nayikas are most often depicted as Radha and the nayak as Krishna. Here Radha sits at the bank of Yamuna, waiting for Krishna. Her water pot lies close to her swirling skirt unfilled. In her anxiety, she has forgotten to fill it. She looks vacuously beyond the trees and huts, with disappointment writ large on her face. She is in close association with nature - what with green, dense trees, the undulating mounds, the azure sky and the gently flowing river. In this state, nature seems her only solace. Her red ghagra circles around her and the green odhini rest delicately on her head. Her lotus shaped eyes and a pursed mouth convey a sadness, which shall soon turn into joy as soon as she sights her lover.
Using only basic colours the artist has achieved unusual results.
This description by Kiranjyot
Of Related Interest:
Hansini Nayika (Water Color on Old Urdu Manuscript Paper)
Abhisarika Nayika (Water Color on Old Paper)
Eight Nayikas (Hardcover Book)
Introduction to Bharata's Natyasastra (Hardcover Book)
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