Woman Cajoling Her Lover

Woman Cajoling Her Lover

Kalachuri Dynasty, 11th Century AD

         Not as well known as the Pratihara -Paramar Dynasty, but the Kalachuri Dynasty carried on the artistic traditions of the former two dynasties.
        This is a unique piece of sculpture as it depicts a scene  from King Hala's Gatha  Saptashati, a love poem. Written in Shringar Ras (romantic mood), these poems deal with different aspects of love.
        The heroine is lost in the company of her friends while the lover waits for her. When she reaches his house, he is angry with her. He lies on the bed unmindful of her presence. She cajoles him with kisses. But he pretends to be mad with her. The lover's game go on.
        Notice the furniture depicted in this piece: the cushions on which the ladies sit, the bed on which the Hero lies. Also notice the pot of water under the bed. The lovers are under a tree. The presence of the water pot indicates that it might be the summer season. Such minute details liven up the sculpture.