Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.34

v3.c12.34

The front gallery of the interior of the cave is a little longer than that at the back of the hall, the former measuring 74 ft. in length. Another peculiarity of this gallery is that it has a flat ceiling with beams and rafters carved thereon in imitation of their prototypes in wood. In order to make the copying complete, the ends of the heavier beams are supported by brackets designed in the form of fat dwarfs (*gaṇas*), or flying figures (*apsarases*) arranged in pairs. The sculptor has carved these figures with very great skill, showing the *gaṇas* to be over-burdened by the heavy weight of the beams, while the *apsarases* are represented as gay and joyous, their hilarious mood being not affected in the least by the burden which they bear on their necks and shoulders (Plates XLIV *a* and XLV). The sculpture of India has often been criticized as rigid and ungraceful, but who would not admire the rhythmic poise, the pulsating life, and the attractive features of these figures (Plate XLV *b*)?