Lonely Maiden Under a Lonely Tree

Guler is not merely one of the 38 small centers of Pahari art, it is the originator and breeder of the greatest style in the Punjab hills. Here an altogether gentle art evolved from the Mughal style. Like the latter, it is characterized by elegant naturalism and yet it breathes a different spirit. We can safely say that it has Mughal elements with Kangra features.

The artist places the maiden all by herself under a lone willow like tree that spreads its branches over her with loving sympathy, using the tree to emphasize her sad, forlorn state. She is depicted as the virahini nayika separated from her lover suffering from anxiety and love longings. The clarity with which the painter draws parallel between the sad inclination of the branches and the lady's state is touching because of its simplicity. The sparsely leaved tree helps in projecting the somber and serious mood.

The body of the nayika is lissome, face soft and delicate, the curves emphasized further by the loop of the dupatta in front. The amount of jewelry that she's wearing fail to provide succor, and longing and sadness is reflected in her almond shaped eyes. She is not actually plucking flowers but touching them to communicate with them in her own way. One end of her odhini is tucked in front, forming a number of gathers. It then flows from behind her shoulders. This is a local Pahari way of dressing.

The painting stands apart for its great charm. Its color is pure and delicate and the line is smooth in its flow. The artist seems to be a great master and has painted with confidence.

This description by Renu Rana.