A Lady with a Parrot

A Lady with a Parrot

Belur Temple,Karnataka,Hoysala Dynasty,12th Century AD

The relationship between woman and a bird is an ancient one. In Sanskrit literature there are stories about women talking to a parrot. During the Mughal period these stories were translated into Persian and came to be known as "Tutinama".

Parrot is the symbol of love in Hindu mythology as it is the vehicle of Kama, the god of love. The lonely woman confined behind the walls of her palace, thus, speaks to the parrot about her loneliness, about her desires and about her love for the hero. In turn, the parrot tells her stories to keep her entertained. Through this dialogue many practical tips, many comments are made about the world at large. The parrot, therefore, is not only a source of entertainment, but is also a source of enlightenment.

The Hoysala sculptor depicts the woman elegantly attired, standing solemnly, paying attention to what the parrot has to say. The jewelery, the voluptuous figure captures the yourh of the woman who is being made wiser by the bird. It is a poignant moment of loneliness, of learning.