Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v1.c5.s8.26

v1.c5.s8.26

We notice another shield-bearer in front of the prince's horse, the check design of his shield being clearer. Shields of rhinoceros skin have been long in vogue in India, but the pattern here seems to have been painted upon the skin and is not indicative of scales. This shield-bearer is wearing a scarf or a shawl, the top corners of which are tied above his chest. Above him there are two figures, the nearer, who is looking up, being a female (?) dressed in a coat of brocade. The other figure has been obliterated. There are some more figures, three below the shield-bearer, and two, of dark complexion, near the elephant and the swordsman. But as the fresco is damaged the features of these figures are effaced.