Question

Who is the woman depicted in this painting by Raja Ravi Varma? 

• A. Shakuntala
• B. Lakshmi
• C. Saraswati
• D. Damayanti

Hint:

When identifying mythological figures in art, pay close attention to accompanying animals, objects (attributes), or symbols. In Hindu iconography, the swan (hamsa) is associated with both Saraswati (as her vehicle or vahana) and the story of Nala and Damayanti. The narrative context of the painting (a woman in a garden seemingly in conversation with the swan) strongly points to the story of Damayanti.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the subject of a famous painting by the Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. The key iconographic element in the painting is the swan (hamsa) interacting with the woman.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The painting is one of Raja Ravi Varma's most celebrated works, titled "Hamsa Damayanti" or "Damayanti and the Swan".
- It depicts a scene from the story of Nala and Damayanti, a famous tale from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.
- In the story, a golden swan acts as a messenger, carrying messages of love between King Nala and Princess Damayanti before they meet.
- The painting captures a moment where Damayanti is listening to the swan's praises of Nala.
- While Raja Ravi Varma also painted Shakuntala, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, this particular composition with the swan is uniquely associated with Damayanti.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The woman depicted in the painting is Damayanti.