The heroine in dramatic representation, as outlined in the Natyashastra, who is represented in different scenarios with the nayaka, who is the hero and her lover. She is also the conduit through which different bhavas (emotions) are expressed to render rasa in the audience and in the essence of the drama. They are also a popular subject matter in Pahari and Rajasthani painting. From the Sanskrit nayika, meaning “heroine.”