Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.s34.2

v3.c12.s34.2

As the fresco is damaged, like the others in this corridor, the figures are not quite clear in the photographic reproduction (Plate LVIII). Still, the representations of *bhikshus* and several personages wearing crowns can be made out. In the original fresco twenty figures can be traced on the left side of the Buddha and six to his right. Further there are two attendants holding fly-whisks, one on each side of the Buddha’s chair, and two votaries near his feet. Such parts of the figures as are intact show the skill of the artist in modelling, the use of high lights, and the indication of shade by washes of a deep colour. He has also succeeded in giving a devout expression to the members of the congregation, as if they were listening with much attention to the Master’s sermon. The mysterious effect of the sermon on the mind of the votaries has also been exhibited by the gesture of their fingers; for example, the figure near the foot of the Buddha’s chair, towards the left, has made a loop. As in this scene almost all the figures are either wearing crowns or are dressed as *bhikshus*, it has been suggested by some scholars that the drawing represents the Buddha’s preaching in the Tushita Heaven, and the congregation comprises the *devas* of that heaven.¹