Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v1.c5.s7.3

v1.c5.s7.3

THE story agrees with the *Jātaka*¹ and has been depicted in three parts. In the first part, painted in the left top corner, we see the King of Magadha, in an ascetic’s robe, imparting instructions in the Law to Śaṅkhapāla, the *Nāga* king. The figure of the ascetic king has been destroyed, but that of Śaṅkhapāla is fairly intact,² and he is shown sitting on a low cushion, while another is placed behind his back. He is wearing an elaborate crown and rich jewellery, among which pearls and sapphires are prominent. The expression of his face is one of great devotion and humility, which are further demonstrated by his folded hands. Behind the *Nāga* is a princess of great elegance—although her figure is too much obliterated for the full appreciation of her charm. She is listening with interest to the sermon of the ascetic. The style of wearing the pearl-strings (*hār*) on the sides and back is characteristic and resembles the style of wearing flower-strings (*baddhi*) in India up to the present time. Behind the princess is a maid of red complexion, but her figure has been to a considerable degree destroyed, so that a portion of the bust alone can now be traced.