The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c16.s2.43

v2.c16.s2.43

The figures of the *apsarasas* with dark brown or swarthy complexions floating in the midst of the scarlet clouds of the evening appear with considerable perspective effect, and the grace of their limbs and the charm of their jewellery and dress, however scanty, are also admirably represented. Jaina artists were good copyists, and as the spirit of their religion has much in common with that of the Buddhist faith, the figures of the *apsarasas* in the ceilings of the Indra Sabhā suggest almost the same beauty of pose, grace of movement, and love of decorative detail as one notices in the figures of the *apsarasas* painted in the monasteries of Ajanta. The art of Ellora is, however, purely imitative and does not show any creative power. In the chapter on sculpture it has already been stated that the Jaina group of Ellora caves was hewn during the ninth century A.D.¹ and the painting of the ceilings of the Indra Sabhā appears to belong to the same period.