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Ajanta Cave 2: Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha
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Ajanta Cave 2: Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha
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Ajanta Cave 2: Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha
INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad; circa mid-to-late 5th century
This mural is located on the left wall of the main hall. The structure is compact and the scene is crowded with numerous characters. The detail of the Buddha’s birth illustrates Queen Maya holding the branch of a tree. The queen is adorned with a crown, and her hair is coiled into a large coiffure at the back of her head. She wears necklaces, armlets, and bracelets. On the right are two female attendants.
Brahma and Sakra are on the left with the newly born Prince Siddhartha. Sakra wears a tall crown and earrings. He carries the prince in one arm, holds a whisk in the other, and raises his head to look attentively at Queen Maya. Brahma has a luminous, oval face with a sedate smile. He gazes down at Prince Siddhartha, who appears relaxed and blissful. An attendant stands next to them with his head tilted upwards. The color of the mural is predominantly a golden hue, providing an elegant and lavish atmosphere. |
