The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c7.s1.t1.3

c7.s1.t1.3

b) In the two male figures placed opposite each other at the foot of the inner face of the two jambs we must, from analogy with Barhut, recognize the protecting spirits of the eastern region, that is, the Gandharvas or celestial musicians, the chief of whom is Dhṛitarâṣṭra (cf. above, p. 71). Nevertheless, they are presented simply under the appearance of great Indian lords, wearing turbans and adorned with heavy jewels, earrings, necklaces and bracelets of precious stones. The ends of their long loin-cloths hang in close little pleats in front; as for the second part of their costume, the scarf, whose usual function is to drape the body, they wear it negligently tied round their loins. The one holds up the ends of it with his left hand, whilst the other has placed his awkwardly on his hip (see pl. VIII, 2). The latter holds in his right hand a *Bignonia* flower, while the former has a lotus. Both are looking in the direction of the sanctuary, and are leaning against a background formed of a *Bignonia* in blossom and a mango-tree bearing fruit.