The Old Indian Romance

Work of one of the most talented painters known as Indian art were brought to life when impeccable series of ancient paintings collaborated in a book, Nala and Damyanti was launched at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre on Saturday. 

The series was launched in the august presence of Karan Singh, who has also written the foreword of the book, and VenuVasudevan, Director General, National Museum. 

After the initial introduction by the editor and welcoming of the Guests by Jyotsna Singh, Karan Singh was requested to say a few words. 

Sharing his experiences on the Amar Mahal Museum, Jammu he said, “Museums are not just a place where beautiful and antique things are displayed, it has got to be part of the community”. 

Singh explained his acquisition and genesis of the paintingsand how this priceless range was gifted to him. He said, “The book is a landmark in the history of art criticism”. 

Vasudevan formally released the bookwhich was followed by a photo shoot.

He said the series is among the most beautiful series ever drawn and is published with great care.

The event was proceeded by an audio visual presentation with a commentary by Goswamy on Light as Breeze, Coloured like a Rainbow:Paintings of the NalaDamayanti Series. 

During the presentation Goswamy narrated the story of old romance between King Nala and princess Damayanti and the intense love that grew between the two.

The painter family that produced this exquisitely painted series came from the small principality of Guler in the ‘Pahari’ hills, today’s Himachal Pradesh. 

The intent of the painter was to cover the story in close to 110 paintings, but for reasons unknown, the work was interrupted and only 47 paintings could be completed, all of them now in the collection of the Amar Mahal and Library at Jammu. The remaining paintings have survived only in the form of highly finished drawings. 

The event was summoned with a vote of thanks by Publisher Bikash De Niyogi.