This painting represents the Abhisarika Nayika, one of the eight heroines- The term Abhisarika means “one who moves,” referring to a heroine who overcomes all social restraints and dangers to secretly meet her beloved.
In this composition the - nayika is shown setting out at night to meet her lover despite the heavy rain and the perils of the forest. She is accompanied by her servants, who appear to be stopping or persuading her to turn back. The nayika lifts her ghaghra with one hand, suggesting haste and eagerness to reach her destination. Her lover is discreetly depicted peeking from behind the trees, holding a lotus, symbolizing love and devotion.
The painting belongs to the Basohli school, which flourished under the patronage of Sangram Pal and later Kirpal Pal. During its mature phase, the Basohli style reached its artistic peak through the illustration of the Rasamanjari series, reflecting the rulers’ affiliation with Vaishnavism. The composition displays the characteristic features of the Basohli style, including the use of bright and bold colours, especially in the red border, and a flat, dark background. The figures possess sharp noses and protruding eyes, distinctive traits of the Basohli school. They are lavishly adorned with white pearl ornaments highlighted by black tassels.
To set out with Eagerness: The 'Abhisarika' Heroine" is a celebrated Indian manuscript illumination folio from the Early Rasamanjari Series. Created between 1660 and 1670 in the Nurpur kingdom, the masterpiece is widely attributed to the legendary Pahari painter Kripal of Nurpur
