Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.s3: Temptation of the Buddha
Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.s3
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Temptation of the Buddha
v3.c12.s3.1
Plates III *c* and IV *b
v3.c12.s3.2
*The scene is painted on the right wall of the antechamber in the lower story of Cave VI.*
v3.c12.s3.3
THE fresco is much damaged and it will be difficult for the reader to trace the drawing of the various figures either with the help of the photograph (Plate IV *b*) or the tracing (Plate III *c*). On the rock-wall a keen eye may, however, notice the figure of Māra to the right proper of the Buddha. He is richly adorned with jewels, as befitting the dignity of a rājā, and is wearing a *dhotī* of striped silk to cover the lower part of his body. In his left hand he holds either a curved sword or a sharp sickle to cut off the head of the Buddha, who is sitting in the middle, unperturbed, in the *bhūsparśa* (earth-touching) attitude. The head of the figure representing Māra is too much damaged to show any expression, but the painter must have tried to show him in an angry mood. Between the figures of Māra and the Buddha there is the representation of a stalwart warrior whose head is missing. Below him, by way of contrast, the artist has painted the figure of a goblin with tiny hands and the head of an animal. He has strange headgear and a waist-band from which little bells are hanging. The goblin is trying to shake the throne of the Buddha. Near the nimbus, round the head of the Buddha, the faces of two demons may be seen, with bulging eyeballs and dumpy noses. Below them are the trunks of two elephants, apparently throwing a strong spray of water to disturb the Buddha in his meditation. Behind them the hands, trunks, and legs of several other figures may be noticed. One of them has thrown up a horse, which is seen in the air over the head of the Buddha. The figure of the horse is intact, and it is shown falling down on its back with its legs and muzzle turned upwards. To the left proper of the Buddha are two more monsters, riding on donkeys. The one nearer to the Buddha has two skulls in his headgear. The other is apparently wearing a mask to frighten the Buddha. The lower end of the mask is seen across the face of the demon. Below these the traces of some more figures may be noticed, and also the head of a cobra which was possibly used as a lash by some demon.
v3.c12.s3.4
Below the throne of the Buddha were painted the daughters of Māra, disporting themselves in an enticing manner. The head of only one figure can be seen; the rest have completely perished. Such subjects gave the artist an opportunity to display his sense of the grotesque, which he has done admirably, inspired by the religious stories which were extant at that time regarding this great event in the life of the Buddha, that is, his enlightenment after protracted meditation.¹
v3.c12.s3.5
¹ There are traces of painting inside the shrine and on the wall of the back corridor. On account of the fires of the *yogīs* and the neglect of centuries combined with climatic deterioration, these paintings have become extremely dim. Still, on the wall of the back corridor, to the right of the antechamber, the figure of the Buddha seated on a throne may be seen.