Preparatory sketch for Rathnavali

This is a preparatory sketch by Raja Ravi Varma for the picture 'Rathnavali'. Rathnavali is a Sanskrit drama attributed to King Harsha who ruled North India in the 7th Century. In the play, Rathnavali is a princess whose ship gets wrecked and is rescued by a merchant. The merchant hands her over to the King Udayana’s minister who immediately recognizes her by her necklace and places her in the service of Queen Vasavadatta. She is called Sagarika. Queen Vasavadatta, fearing King Udayana was falling in love with Rathnavali/Sagarika places her in prison and gives her necklace to the court jester. At this time, the chief councillor of Rathnavali’s father arrives and notices Rathnavali’s necklace on the jester. Rathnavali/Sagarika then appears in chains when she is finally rescued. Rathnavali finally marries King Udayana. In this sketch, Raja Ravi Varma depicts Rathnavali floating on the remnants of a wrecked ship.