early_20th_century
Painting
The Maiden was Loth to Hearken to Nala's Message
early_20th_century
Description
Published in Stories of India's Gods and Heroes by W.D. Monro, illustrated by Evelyn Paul, circa 1920.
Historical context
This delicate illustration by Evelyn Paul captures a poignant moment from the ancient epic tale of King Nala and Queen Damayanti. Within the ornate pavilions of her royal palace, Princess Damayanti hesitates, her heart weighed down by modesty and longing, while a messenger gently pleads the love of Nala. The artist weaves Western romantic illustration traditions with Indian mythological storytelling, creating an intimate tableau of devotion, hesitation, and royal grace.
Featured in
Poems paired with this painting
- मैं प्यासा भृंग जनम भर काGopal Singh NepaliRead →
- याचकPratibha SaxenaRead →
- मैंने सारे प्रश्न पढ़ लियेRakesh KhandelwalRead →
- दूसरों को हमारी सज़ायें न देBashir BadrRead →
- हम इन्तज़ार करेंगे तेरा क़यामत तकSahir LudhianviRead →
- रात्रि के अंन्तिम प्रहर तक तुम न मुझसे दूर जानाAmitabh Tripathi ‘Amit’Read →
- हम घूम चुके बस्ती-वन मेंIbn-e-InshaRead →
Adjacent works
