VERANDAH OF CAVE No. 17.—AJUNTA.
AT the end of the verandah in this view is dimly seen the circular painting or so called zodiac, from which this Vihara derives its name. A facsimile of it is now at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham. It evidently represents terrestial scenes, divided into compartments by the spokes of a wheel, which always was a favourite emblem with Buddhists. The roof of the verandah is also very beautifully adorned with paintings, which are still in very perfect preservation, not unlike those found in the baths of Titus at Rome in design, but of course inferior in execution.
Over the door are painted eight figures sitting cross-legged. The first four are black, the fifth fairer, the next still more so, the last as fair as an European, and wearing a crown. It may be remarked that there are more black people represented in this cave than in any other; the women, however, are generally fair, but the men are of all shades, from jet black to an European complexion.
20
