Passage 1
Awaiting Krishna and the Hesitant Radha
Artist Pandit Seu had two talented sons, Manak or Manaku and Nainsukh. Their contribution in maneuvering the style of Pahari painting from the stage of Basohli to that of Kangra is immense. Their sons, in turn, represent the glorious period of Kangra. This painting is categorised in the Guler–Kangra phase, wherein, experimentation for change had already been initiated. Gita Govinda is Manaku’s most outstanding set of works. As mentioned earlier, composed by Jayadeva, Gita Govinda begins with the description of how Radha and Krishna fall in love on the banks of river Yamuna. A delightful description of spring follows and the poet describes the sports of Krishna with other gopis. Ignored by Krishna, heartbroken Radha sulks in a bower as her friend, sakhi, describes how Krishna continues to wander with the pretty cowherd girls. After sometime, Krishna feels remorseful and starts looking for Radha, and on not finding her, laments for her. The messenger, now, goes to Radha and tells her of the longing of Krishna for her. Ultimately, she persuades her to meet him and what follows is the mystic union. Though the characters are divine and enact the play at a philosophical plane, where Radha is a devotee or soul, and Krishna, the cosmic power, in whom she is to be drowned. The love sport played here is rather human. In this painting, Radha is shown feeling shy and hesitant as she approaches the forested area, while Krishna is seen eagerly waiting for her. The source to the artist’s imagination is the inscription on the reverse of the painting, which is translated as follows. “Radha! Sakhis have come to know the secret that your soul is intent on the warfare of love. Now, abandon your shyness, let your girdle tinkle merrily and go ahead to meet your beloved. Radha! Lead yourself with some favored maid; grasp her hands with your fingers that are soft and smooth as love’s arrows. March and let the jingle of your bangles proclaim your approach to your loved one.” This beautiful song of Jayadeva may always rest upon the lips of the devotees of Krishna. Ultimately Radha accepts the advice of her companions and Jayadeva, thus, describes the following. “Then, she, no more delaying, entered straight; her step a little faltered, but her face shone with unutterable love; the music of her bangles passed the entrance; shame which had lingered in her downcast eyes, departed shamed…”
Questions / Answer:
Question 1: Who were the two talented sons of artist Pandit Seu, and what was their contribution to Pahari painting?
Answer: The two talented sons of artist Pandit Seu were Manak (or Manaku) and Nainsukh. They played a significant role in evolving the style of Pahari painting from the Basohli phase to the Kangra phase.
Question 2: What is the significance of the painting “Awaiting Krishna and the Hesitant Radha”?
Answer: This painting is categorized in the Guler–Kangra phase of Pahari painting, reflecting a period of experimentation and change. It illustrates a scene from the “Gita Govinda,” depicting the complex emotions of Radha and Krishna’s relationship.
Question 3: What is the narrative described in the “Gita Govinda”?
Answer: The “Gita Govinda,” composed by Jayadeva, narrates the love story of Radha and Krishna, beginning with their initial love on the banks of the Yamuna, followed by Radha’s heartache when Krishna ignores her. The story progresses with Krishna’s search for Radha and ultimately leads to their reunion, symbolizing a deeper spiritual connection.
Question 4: How is Radha depicted in the painting, and what emotions does she convey?
Answer: In the painting, Radha is shown feeling shy and hesitant as she approaches the forested area where Krishna awaits her. This depiction captures her internal conflict between shyness and love.
Question 5: What advice do Radha’s companions give her, and how does she respond to it?
Answer: Radha’s companions encourage her to abandon her shyness and confidently approach Krishna. They suggest that she march forward, letting the sound of her bangles announce her arrival. Ultimately, Radha accepts their advice, overcoming her hesitation and moving toward Krishna with unutterable love.
Question 6: What does the inscription on the reverse of the painting convey about Radha’s feelings and actions?
Answer: The inscription encourages Radha to overcome her shyness and approach Krishna, emphasizing the intensity of her feelings. It suggests that she should abandon her hesitations and embrace her longing for love, symbolized by the joyful sounds of her bangles and the presence of her companions.
Question 7: What is the philosophical interpretation of the characters of Radha and Krishna in the narrative?
Answer: Philosophically, Radha represents the devotee or soul, while Krishna symbolizes the cosmic power or divine entity. Their relationship illustrates the concept of the soul’s yearning for union with the divine, with their love sport reflecting human emotions and experiences.
Question 8: How does the passage describe Radha’s transformation as she approaches Krishna?
Answer: The passage describes Radha’s initial hesitation as she approaches Krishna, but as she moves forward, her demeanor changes. Her step may falter, but her face radiates love, and the shame in her downcast eyes disappears, signifying her acceptance of love and readiness to embrace her feelings for Krishna.
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