Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s2.13

v2.c8.s2.13

To the right of the Bodhisattva the artist has painted another *aśoka* tree, the enthusiasm and care shown in its delineation being the same as shown in the depiction of the previous tree. The branches of this tree spread behind rocks which are shown conventionally by whitish blocks. On the rocks, two male figures of a different type of features may be seen, perhaps representing aboriginal inhabitants of India. The head of one figure is badly damaged, but that of the other, which is more or less preserved, shows sunken temples, prominent cheek-bones, a dumpy nose, and a thin moustache. The hair of the head seems to be lanky, but as it is adorned with a band of flowers, it cannot be studied closely. The stature is short, and the muscle of the left arm, in which a bow and some arrows are held, shows a developed physique.¹ The wooden plug placed in the hole in the lobe of the ear to prevent its closing up is interesting.