Damayanti with Hansa
Description
The story of Nala-Damayanti is mentioned in the Vana-Parva of Mahabharata. It is also mentioned in Somadev’s ‘Sarit Sagar.’ Shriharsha has written a poem ‘Naishdhiya Charitam’ in Sanskrit.
In the first part of the story, Raja Nala is introduced to and befriends a hamsa, who is impressed with the stature and beauty of the Raja. The hamsa then sings in praise of the beautiful maiden Damayanti to Nala. The hamsa promises Nala that he will praise the Raja in the presence of Damayanti. So the hamsa goes to Damayanti’s place and praises Raja Nala in such a manner that she confesses to having fallen in love with him.
Figurines such as this object seem to be modelled after lithographs made in Germany in the 19th century on Indian subjects.
Gift of Smt. Rekha Naik in memory of Late Dr. Deepak Srinivas Naik.
Collection
European Decorative Art
Object Type
Figurine
Material
Porcelain with overglaze
Schools/Culture/Period
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Technique
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Date
Early 20th century CE
Location
Germany
Dimension
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