Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s9.20

v2.c8.s9.20

The expressions on the faces of Mahā-Māyā and Śuddhodana show that they are listening with rapt attention to the interpretation of the dream by the chief Brāhman, who is sitting on a low square stool (chauki) in front of them. The features of this figure are very typical, and the long twisted moustache and the shaven forehead may still be noticed among the influential Brāhmans of Benares. He has made a loop with his fingers; the artist by this gesture probably wants to suggest that he is interpreting the dream in the light of religious law (dharmacakra). Below the figure of the Brāhman there is another dressed like a hermit (Bhikshu). His features are somewhat coarse; but the head is too much damaged for a close study.