Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c10.118

c10.118

In a play attributed to Kâlidâsa the heroine is the Queen Dhârinî's beautiful attendant named Mâlavikâ, who is a skilful musician and dancer. The Queen carefully kept her attractive handmaid from the presence of her royal husband, Agnimitra, but foolishly caused Mâlavikâ's portrait to be painted in the *chitrasâla* of the palace. The plot of this play, called *Mâlavikâgnimitra*, discloses the disastrous consequences of the King's next visit to the picture gallery.¹