Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v3.c12.s41.4

v3.c12.s41.4

The figure of Indra¹ can be easily recognized by his fair complexion, noble features, magnificent crown, and rich jewellery. The strings of pearls worn across his shoulder and breast are swung backwards in order to suggest movement, which is further indicated by the bent knees. There are clusters of white and blue clouds in the background to show that the god is flying in heaven. The delineation of the clouds, in the form of white patches with blue rims of varying thickness, although conventional to a degree, fulfils the object of the artist admirably. Attached to his belt Indra has a dagger and a sword, which were perhaps features of the accoutrement of a king at that time (fifth century A.D.). In his left hand he holds a flower, a convention which was observed even by the painters of the Mughal kings of India down to the eighteenth century A.D.