Nala and Damayanti
17th – 18th century CE
TSM Accession: P-2338
Pleach No: PIF/00DMP36
Title: Nala and Damayanti
Style: Bijapur School – Deccani Miniature
Artist: Unknown
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 24 x 15 cms
Period: 17th – 18th century CE
Rights: Telangana State Museum, Hyderabad
Documented by: Pleach India Foundation, Hyderabad
This miniature illustrates the mythological love story of Nala and Damayanti from the Mahabharata, a tale retold through various regional traditions.
At the centre of the painting, is a three-story palace, characterised by a pillared room on the top floor, complete with a gallery. Seated in the heart of the palace are King Nala and Queen Damayanti, who are engaged in a dice game called ‘Saripaat.’
The painting’s warm pink tones beautifully echo the enchanting influence of Pahari painting on the Deccani school.
