The Princes Make Their Horses Dance
Bala Kanda, Doha 302
Doha 302 · Movement 2 of 2
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Young princes guide their magnificent horses into measured dance as mridangas and kettledrums establish the beat. Hooves rise and fall in patterns, turning martial skill into wedding celebration.
Townspeople and professional performers watch in astonishment. The riders remain within rhythm despite the noise, crowd, banners, and restless force beneath them.
Horse, hand, drum, and body appear joined by one pulse. Control does not suppress the animal's fire; it gives that fire graceful form. The scene becomes a small image of the procession itself, immense strength moving in disciplined joy toward a sacred purpose, never losing the beat set by dharma.
Fire-footed horses become dancers when skilled hands answer the wedding drums.
Read the passage from the Manas
तुरग नचावहिं कुँअर बर अकनि मृदंग निसान।। नागर नट चितवहिं चकित डगहिं न ताल बँधान।।302।।
The noble princes make their horses dance to the rhythm of drums and kettledrums. The townsfolk and performers watch in astonishment, never once losing the measured beat.