Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v4.c16.s17.4

v4.c16.s17.4

THE artist has painted the *jātaka* in a forest-scene with a variety of typical Indian trees, among which the *palāśa* with its twisted conical blossom and the teak with its broad dark-green leaves are prominent. Some trees are laden with fruit; notice the one near the bottom of the painting, above the pair of deer. Among the denizens of the forest, beside a brown monkey of a large species (which forms the chief character of the story), deer and even a tiger may be seen. The tiger holds in his jaws the head of an ox. Lower down, the carcass of a buffalo may also be noticed. The only representation of birds is a pair of peafowl, sitting at the top of the hill. The female bird has stretched its neck towards its mate in an amorous mood.