Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s1.14

v2.c8.s1.14

The reader may gain an idea of the richness of the decoration of this *vihāra* from Plates V and VI, showing how Indian genius has run riot in the display of colour and form. The designs in general are highly artistic, and the thorough knowledge of the painter and the sculptor in matters of technical detail deserves the highest praise, but the lack of restraint and of nobility of thought cannot be ignored. The general impression is that of effervescence resulting from feebleness of spirit. It may be that the high ideals of self-control and breadth of vision which Buddhism had preached in earlier days were growing dim, and that the artist's mind was prepossessed with such outburst of emotion and exuberance of feeling as appear in the doctrines of later schools.