Narthaki
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The Kakatiya sculptors evinced keen interest in carving
out attractive figures of feminine beauty. The tall, tapering
figures with full breasts and fleshy thighs, oval faces, half naked
bodies and the folk look are the feminine models belonging to the
regional ethnic group, which always inspired the Andhra sculptor.
Drapery is sparse. Upper torso is covered with few ornaments, while the
lower part is draped from the waist to the middle of the thighs. Rest of
the body is bare, exposing the beautiful rhythm in the curvilinear
slender torso. This scanty drapery brings forth the magnificent rhythm
in the dancing poses of the Madanikas. Worth noting is that this drapery
is akin to the mini skirt and topless dresses of the 21st century.
Artists are considered Darsanikas, who can visualize things to come.
Truly, the 13th century Kakatiya sculptor was a darsanika who visualized
dress fashions of 21st century! He has draped his damsels with topless
miniskirts and high heeled shoes. (‘Kakatiyan art’ by D. Vidyanath, Nartanam, Oct– Dec 2016) |
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A dancing girl who became a legend was Anarkali (pomegranate bud), a
title bestowed by Emperor Akbar on Nadira Begum or Sharaf-un-Nisa for
her extraordinary beauty. One day, it is said, the Emperor saw from her
reflection in a mirror that she was exchanging glances with Prince
Salim. There were rumours at the court about Salim’s infatuation with
Anarkali. This infuriated Akbar who considered the lowly nautch girl
unworthy of a prince’s love. Legend has it that he ordered death for
Anarkali, who was entombed alive in an upright position between two
walls of bricks. Anarkali, gasping for breath as the last brick was
being laid, called out the name of her royal lover and then passed into
eternal sleep. Salim on ascending the throne as Jahangir built a
mausoleum in Lahore over the grave of his beloved which carries an
inscription of a couplet composed by him. (‘Famous dancing girls from the pages of Indian history’ by Pran Nevile, The Asian Age, July 25, 2018) |
