Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v4.c16.35

v4.c16.35

But in the decorative scheme of the doorway several new motifs will strike the connoisseur, the most notable being the projection of the long tongues of the conventional crocodiles (makaras) in a curvilinear form with the tips rolled up from each side of the doorway, and forming an ornamental arch above it.¹ The sprouting forth of garlands from the mouths of makaras may be noticed in the earlier carving at Amarāvatī, and the sculptors of Ajanta most probably took the idea thence; but it is certainly to their credit that they presented this motif in such a graceful architectural form. The jewellery designs and the floral and leaf patterns carved on the mouldings of this doorway are also very beautiful. The representation of yakṣiṇīs in the form of struts along the capitals of the pillars of the veranda, although not an original motif, has been skilfully achieved.²