Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s23.9

v2.c8.s23.9

Below the figures of the Buddha and his two disciples is painted a party of musicians (Plate XLIV *a*). Their figures are somewhat indistinct; still the musical instruments on which they are playing can be made out. One of them has a large drum hung from his neck by leather straps. The drum itself is covered with a network of cord either of cotton or leather. The figure to the left of the drummer is playing on a flute, and farther to the left is another playing on cymbals (*jhānjh*). Below the drummer is a trumpeter, and in front of him a conch-blower. The outline of these figures wherever intact shows great beauty and vigour. To the left of the musicians are two ladies painted in the act of adoration. Their features and poses are very striking, showing good taste and highly developed technique. Below these two ladies there was another figure of which the head and a part of the body only may be traced, the rest having perished.