DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.2371#0106
RANI KA NtJR. 85
their hands joined in the attitude of prayer. Behind them is a
dwarf, and before them a woman bearing offerings. In the corre-
sponding compartment at the other end of the verandah, three
women—one may be a man—and a child are seen bearing what may
also be offerings. The left-hand full compartment is occupied by
a woman dancing under a canopy borne by four pillars, to the
accompaniment of four musicians, one playing on a flute,1 another
on a harp, a third on a drum, and a fourth apparently on a Vina or
some guitarlike instrument. In the other full division are three
women, either sitting on a bench with their legs crossed in front,
or dancing. My impression is that the latter is the true interpre-
tation of the scene, from two women in precisely similar attitudes
being represented as Boro Buddor, in Java,2 but there so much
better executed that there is no mistake as to their aetion.
Whether, however, these women represent the audience, or are
actually taking part in the performance, it is quite certain that the
sculptures on this facade are of a wholly domestic character, and
represent a Nach and that only. As such they would be quite as
appropriate to a Queen's palace—as this cave is called—as to the
abode of coenobite Priests, to which purpose it is generally supposed
to have been appropriated.5
Besides the bassi rilievi just described, there are throughout these
caves a number of single figures in alto rilievo. They are generally
life-size and placed at either end of the verandahs of the caves, as
dwarpalas or sentinels. They are generally dressed in the ordinary
native costume, and of no especial interest; but in this cave there
are two which are exceptional, and when properly investigated may
prove of the utmost value for the history of these caves. These
two are situated at the north end of the upper verandah of this cave.
The first is of a singularly Bacchic character, and is generally de-
scribed as a woman riding astride on a lion, and is certainly so
represented in Captain Kittoe's drawing.3 From Captain Murray's
photograph, however, the stout figure of the rider appears to
me very much more like the Silenus brought from Mathura and now
1 This, as in all the ancient sculptures in India, is the " Flauto Traverso," supposed
to be invented in Italy in the 13th or 14th century.
2 Boro Buddor, 4 vols, folio, published by the Dutch Government at Batavia, vol. i.
Hate CX., Fig. 189.
3 J- A. S. Bengal, vol. vii. Plate XLI.
their hands joined in the attitude of prayer. Behind them is a
dwarf, and before them a woman bearing offerings. In the corre-
sponding compartment at the other end of the verandah, three
women—one may be a man—and a child are seen bearing what may
also be offerings. The left-hand full compartment is occupied by
a woman dancing under a canopy borne by four pillars, to the
accompaniment of four musicians, one playing on a flute,1 another
on a harp, a third on a drum, and a fourth apparently on a Vina or
some guitarlike instrument. In the other full division are three
women, either sitting on a bench with their legs crossed in front,
or dancing. My impression is that the latter is the true interpre-
tation of the scene, from two women in precisely similar attitudes
being represented as Boro Buddor, in Java,2 but there so much
better executed that there is no mistake as to their aetion.
Whether, however, these women represent the audience, or are
actually taking part in the performance, it is quite certain that the
sculptures on this facade are of a wholly domestic character, and
represent a Nach and that only. As such they would be quite as
appropriate to a Queen's palace—as this cave is called—as to the
abode of coenobite Priests, to which purpose it is generally supposed
to have been appropriated.5
Besides the bassi rilievi just described, there are throughout these
caves a number of single figures in alto rilievo. They are generally
life-size and placed at either end of the verandahs of the caves, as
dwarpalas or sentinels. They are generally dressed in the ordinary
native costume, and of no especial interest; but in this cave there
are two which are exceptional, and when properly investigated may
prove of the utmost value for the history of these caves. These
two are situated at the north end of the upper verandah of this cave.
The first is of a singularly Bacchic character, and is generally de-
scribed as a woman riding astride on a lion, and is certainly so
represented in Captain Kittoe's drawing.3 From Captain Murray's
photograph, however, the stout figure of the rider appears to
me very much more like the Silenus brought from Mathura and now
1 This, as in all the ancient sculptures in India, is the " Flauto Traverso," supposed
to be invented in Italy in the 13th or 14th century.
2 Boro Buddor, 4 vols, folio, published by the Dutch Government at Batavia, vol. i.
Hate CX., Fig. 189.
3 J- A. S. Bengal, vol. vii. Plate XLI.