Drawing of a Abhisarika Nayika

The Abhisarika Nayika is a heroine that sets aside her modesty and moves out of her home, braving all kinds of difficulties, to secretly meet her lover. Here, she is depicted elegantly dressed and turning back to look at a nude female figure carrying a small child. However, these figures appear to be monsters as they have oddly-configured bodies, and the woman possesses fangs and webbed feet. A large cobra slithers between the Nayika and the female creature. A smaller snake has wrapped itself around the Nayika’s ankle. A large cloud occupies the top left corner, with dark lines to suggest lightning. Small, vertical strokes in the background indicate rain. This may be a preparatory drawing for a series. Pahari Style, Kangra School.