Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s28.6

v2.c8.s28.6

The next subject (Plate XLVIII *b*) represents a similar episode,¹ but the painter has altered the poses of the characters. The *Nāga* rājā is shown sitting in a characteristic Indian attitude; the right leg of the rājā is bent with the knee upwards, while the other leg is bent but rests on the ground. His head is painted in three-quarter profile, and the expression of inner peace is more pronounced than in the former fresco. He holds a cup of wine in his right hand, while his left, to express feelings of love and intimacy, is placed on the shoulder of his consort. The pose of the *Nāgī* is also slightly different from that of the previous fresco, while the attendant in this painting holds a round vessel (a wine jug?) instead of a fly-whisk.