The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c16.s2.4

v2.c16.s2.4

Let us describe the scene painted on the left wall of cave X: first there are some soldiers armed with spears, maces, bows and arrows, swords, and sickle-like scimitars. They are clad in short-sleeved shirts or jackets, and one of them has an elaborate head-gear which is in the form of a turban at the top with flaps for the protection of the ears, and also a band which passes below the chin, and is apparently meant to keep the helmet firmly fixed to the head. The soldiers belong to the bodyguard of a rājā who with a group of ladies is seen immediately in front of them. The rājā is shown in front of a tree which is bedecked with flags. The tree evidently represents the Bodhi-tree under which the Buddha received his ‘enlightenment’. In early Buddhist sculpture and painting the Buddha is not represented in human form, for according to the Hīnayāna doctrine it was considered sacrilege so to present him. The rājā has come to fulfil some vow connected with the boy who is standing close to the tree. He is reciting a prayer and all the ladies of the party are taking part in the ritual. The head of one lady is decorated with three peacock’s feathers (Plate XLII b).