Ajanta Cave 2: Noble Women

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

These figures are found on the left wall of the protector shrine located to the left of the main shrine. The five women stand in front of a building, facing each other in conversation. On the far left, a woman gestures with open palms as if in discourse. Next to her, the second woman wears a headdress and looks towards the first. She holds an object in her right hand. The third woman wears a headdress and faces the center, while the fourth stands in a swaying pose. The woman on the far right faces the others. They all wear short colorful garments and appear elegant and natural. The background is shaded by vegetation.
In front of the five women are two groups of children playing. On the left, four children sit and play on the ground. They appear concentrated on their game. On the right, two children chase each other. Shading is applied to the human figures and the building to produce a three-dimensional effect.