Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v4.c16.32

v4.c16.32

The main image of the Buddha carved on the *dagoba* exhibits that inner peace of mind which is the special characteristic of Buddhist sculpture, and in which it differs from contemporary or earlier Roman models. Another sculpture representing a *Nāga* king and queen, carved in a niche near the north-western corner of the court, is equally striking by its calm and repose, although, the stone being porous, some of the features of the figures have been rubbed away (Plate LXXVI*b*). The sculptor's exuberance of spirit and love of rich decoration may further be noticed in the design of the capitals of the pillars of a chapel excavated in the right side of the court of this *chaitya*. The conventional lions' heads (the *kīrtimukhas*) in the upper part of the capitals, the fat dwarfs (*gaṇas*) at the corners in two stages, and the lovely bunches of fruit hanging down from leaves, all combine to present a most graceful pattern.