Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c12.s4.44

c12.s4.44

The important point about these different scenes forming part of the two friezes is the fact that they illustrate independent scenes. As remarked by Dr. R.L, Mitra "Each frame is complete by itself and except in outline and general character bears no relation to its neighbour." (*Antiquities of Orissa*, Vol. II, p. 4). Fergusson remarked "At one time I was inclined to believe that the scenes represented in the sculptures here and in Rānīkā nūr (i. e. Rānīgumphā) were continuous and formed part of one connected history. A more careful study, however, of the matter with the increased knowledge we now possess, has convinced me that this is not the case, and that each division in the storeyed bas-relief must be treated as separate subject. In this instance (i e. Gaṇeshgumphā) it seems that the sculptor purposely left the central compartment blank in order to separate the two so completely that no one should make the mistake of fancying that there was any connection between them." (*Cave Temples*, p. 87),