Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v1.c5.s8.17

v1.c5.s8.17

At the right hand of the chief dancer there are two more of a coppery complexion, playing on flutes. The orchestra comprises five artistes; two of them are playing cymbals, one a pair of drums (dhol), another a mirdang (a double drum with a narrow ring in the middle) and the fifth apparently a guitar, for a gourd-like thing is visible in her lap. The complexion of one of the two musicians playing cymbals is pallid, and the chief attraction of this figure is the black trimming of the collar of her cholī (half-sleeved bodice). The complexion of the other artiste playing cymbals is pinkish brown, while that of the drum-player is brick red. The waist-strip of this woman is like the modern brassière of Europe, and it is, perhaps, the earlier form of the Indian cholī and aṅgiyā.¹