Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.s19.15

v3.c12.s19.15

Farther to the right is painted the incident where a favourite attendant of the Bodhisattva had plucked a large lotus from the lake and presented it to the latter. The Bodhisattva taking the flower in his trunk, sprinkled the pollen on his forehead and gave the flower to Mahā-subhaddā, which act further enraged his other wife, Chulla-subhaddā.¹ The Bodhisattva is shown in the fresco holding a large flower and ready to present it to another elephant, who apparently represents Mahā-subhaddā. The trunk of the latter elephant is raised and almost touches that of her mate, to show that she is prepared to receive the gift.² The drawing of the royal elephant and his companions displays considerable freedom of movement, which quality is better illustrated in the next scene to the right representing the bathing of the elephants in the lotus-pool (Plates XXX b and XXXII a).