Nala and Damayanti: A Great Series of Paintings of an Old Indian Romance

Book Details:

• Author: B.N. Goswamy

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 262

• Release Date: 04-03-2016

• ISBN: 9789383098897

• Languages: English

• Special Features: 47 Paintings from the Amar Mahal Museum Collection

About the Book:

This remarkable book brings together three extraordinary elements: a great literary text, a timeless romance, and the incredible craftsmanship of one of the most talented painter families in Indian art. At the heart of this work lies the Naishadhacharita, a 12th-century epic by Sriharsha, one of the last great kavyas of Sanskrit literature. This beautiful poem narrates the tale of the intense love that blossomed between King Nala and Princess Damayanti, driven by mutual affection yet separated by distance and circumstance.

The paintings featured in this book are a visual portrayal of this poignant narrative, created by the masterful painters of the Guler school from the Pahari hills, now part of Himachal Pradesh. The original intention was to capture the story across 110 paintings, but only 47 were completed, now housed in the Amar Mahal Museum and Library at Jammu. These captivating works, along with detailed drawings of the incomplete pieces, are carefully published in this book, which preserves the charm and magic of this artistic endeavor.

As you turn each page, you’re transported into the delicate beauty of the Naishadhacharita through the brushstrokes of the Guler painters, whose art is known for its grace and exquisite attention to detail. The paintings, full of life and emotion, beautifully enhance the lyrical text, creating a harmonious blend of literature and visual art.

This book is a must-have for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone who appreciates the intricate interweaving of literature and visual culture.