HINDOO SCULPTURE. CHAITYA No. 19.—AJUNTA.
OPPOSITE to the Choultrie last described is an alto-relievo of a considerably more modern date than the Chaitya to which it is attached, and probably the only thing that can be ascribed to the Brahmans at Ajunta.
It represents Vishnu sitting under the canopy of the seven headed snake—a very common Brahmanical arrangement—with Sareswati by his side. On the other side stands an attendant with a chowrie in his hand.
Though more modern than the Chaitya, it is not necessary to assume that this group was carved after the Caves were deserted. There were internals long before the final expulsion of the Buddhists, when the Brahmans had the upper hand, and this piece of sculpture is so free from the usual extravagance of Hindoo sculpture, that it must be old—older probably than the Caves at either end of the series.
In style, it resembles very much the sculptures at Elephanta, and some of those at Ellora.
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