Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s7.22

v2.c8.s7.22

Behind the throne of the Bodhisattva is a *chaurī*-bearer, and towards the right, near the foot of the throne, are two ladies of noble bearing, one of whom is apparently Queen Khemā. She is looking up towards the Bodhisattva, and the artist, to indicate her feelings of amazement at the sermon of the Bodhisattva, has placed her forefinger on her chin—a significant gesture, which is very characteristic of the women of India even to-day. In her left hand she holds a sword which, perhaps, refers to some incident of the story not mentioned in the *Jātaka* versions. The miracle of the Golden Goose assuming the human form while teaching the Law to the Rājā of Benares and Queen Khemā also does not occur in the *Jātaka* version.