Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s26: A Bodhisattva in the Teaching Attitude

Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s26

Language: English

A Bodhisattva in the Teaching Attitude

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*The subject is painted on the right wall of the front gallery, to the right of the cell-door. It is reproduced in monochrome only.*

THIS painting seems never to have been finished, for several figures are shown in rough outline only. The subject represents a Bodhisattva sitting on a throne in the teaching attitude. His legs are crossed, and the feet rest on a rectangular stool. The figure is much damaged, but the outline of the body, the jewels and the crown, can be made out. Behind the Bodhisattva was a chaurī-bearer, whose figure has almost perished. Near the latter, on the right side, is a white figure which has made a loop with the right hand, and holds a tray of offerings on the left shoulder. The painter has shown this figure in the barest outline. A little farther to the right he has painted another chaurī-bearer, whose pose, on account of the curve near the waistline, is interesting. The spotted design of the cloth of the *cholī* and *sārī* of these women is also worthy of notice.

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In front of the Bodhisattva are three figures squatting on the ground. The drawing of these figures is also very rough, but the position of their heads, which are raised towards the Bodhisattva, and the gesture of their hands suggest that they are listening with rapt attention to his sermon. Two of these figures who are wearing crowns have a pale complexion, while the third, who is sitting near the feet of the Bodhisattva, is of a reddish shade.

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In the foreground near the foot-stool of the Bodhisattva is painted a lady whose pose suggests that she is stricken with sorrow. The drawing of this figure, particularly of the right arm, shows a fine conception and remarkable technical skill.

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Below this scene are painted the figures of three elephants, the black and red tints of whose skins have been effectively shown. As the fresco is much damaged, the figures of the elephants have not been included in the Plate (XLVI *b*).¹

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¹ Near this subject, on the front wall of the corridor, is another scene in which are seen a prince (a Bodhisattva?) with a lady and a male attendant. The lady has an elaborate coiffure, and is dressed in a *sārī* of striped design. The servant is wearing a red coat.