Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s22.20

v2.c8.s22.20

Proceeding farther towards the right, we notice another apartment of the monastery, where the votaries have assembled before the Buddha, who is teaching the sacred doctrine to them. Among the votaries are seven men and two women, the position of the latter being a little lower and separate from that of the men. This distinction may be of interest as indicating the relative position held by women among Buddhists. The poses of all these figures are very realistic, reminiscent of the attitude of reverence and respect borne by the people of India even now when sitting before holy men. Behind the Buddha a *Bhikshu* may also be seen, but as the fresco has perished at that place, the lower part of the *Bhikshu*’s figure has entirely disappeared.