Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.s19.10

v3.c12.s19.10

Proceeding towards the right, we notice the royal elephant, which has been painted of a much larger size than the other animals. He further bears all the distinguishing features given in the *Jātaka*, such as the six tusks and the white skin, the latter bedecked with the pollen of flowers, shown in clear pinkish spots in the fresco. The figure of the elephant has been drawn with great skill, and the raised tail indicates that the animal has scented danger lying ahead. The royal elephant is attended by several of his herd, and among them those who are in front of him have raised their trunks as a warning to the chief against the impending peril.¹