The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c7.s1.t2.17

c7.s1.t2.17

c) In any case, two, or even three, miracles are grouped on the next small panel. Here again, it is understood, the intention of edifying does not prevent the scene from being treated in a picturesque manner. After the life of the village it is the life of the hermitage that we have before our eyes. On the right two anchorites are splitting wood by means of axes which, if we may judge from their massive appearance and the form of their handles, must be made of stone; two others are occupied in lighting fires, and a fifth holds in his hand a sacrificial spoon, whilst two novices are carrying on their shoulders the one a fagot of logs and the other a double basket of provisions. Among the trees at the back a sacred tumulus, as is proved by the balustrade surrounding it, must enclose the relics of some superior of the community, and thus gives the last touch of local colour (¹).