Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s21.74

v2.c8.s21.74

Among the ladies, the princess Irandatī is addressing the *Nāga* king, and the delineation of her face and the gesture of her fingers, half looped, show that she is not very doubtful regarding the mission of Pūrṇaka in bringing the heart of Vidhurapaṇḍita. The lady immediately behind Irandatī seems to be a maid of honour. Her rapt attention indicates that she supports the view of the princess. On the right-hand side of the princess is the queen, who is pointing only one finger, evidently to suggest that the only condition to be imposed for the marriage of Irandatī should be the Vidhurapaṇḍita’s heart. To quote the *Jātaka*: ‘Our Irandatī is not to be won by wealth or treasure; if thou obtainest by thine own worth and bring here the sage’s heart, the princess shall be won by that wealth. We ask no further treasure.’ The head of this figure being partly damaged, the expression of her face cannot be studied. To the right of the queen is a maid, whose thick lips and broad nose show her to be of aboriginal stock. She is looking up at the king in a rather fierce way, apparently to suggest that the condition of winning the princess should be the hardest possible to be fulfilled.