Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s21.69

v2.c8.s21.69

Below the last scene, on the left side of the fresco, a princess is painted twice, first in a swing, and afterwards leaning against a post of the swing and talking to a young man with a horse (Plate XLI *a*). The princess may be easily identified with Irandatī, who, according to the *Jātaka*, in search for a suitable husband, ‘gathered all the flowers in the Himālaya which had colour, scent, or taste, and having adorned the entire mountain like a precious jewel, she spread a couch of flowers upon it, and, having executed a pleasant dance, she sang a sweet song’. The painter of Ajanta has substituted a swing for the couch, which is indeed an improvement, and adds to the artistic effect of the theme. The background is well adorned with flowers, and the ropes of the swing itself are decorated with flags, which flying in the air, give an excellent idea of movement. Movement is also suggested by the curves of the ropes and the pose of the lady, her legs being stretched fully, and her feet joined. One familiar with Indian literature will appreciate how much poetry and romance are associated with the swing, and even to-day the Indian girls put on dresses of all the bright colours of the rainbow, and sing love songs of the *barkhā rut* (rainy season) in a swing—