Ajanta Cave 1: King Sibi Jataka

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

This mural is located on the front wall, to the left of the entrance. This Jataka tells the story of King Sibi, the generous and benevolent ruler of the city of Aristapura. One day, Sakra and Agni decided to test his virtue by appearing in the form of a hawk in pursuit of a dove. The dove landed in King Sibi’s lap, who defended it against the hawk. The hawk protested that it must eat, so the king offered the equivalent of the dove’s weight in his own flesh. A scale was set forth and the king began cutting flesh from his body. No amount would seem to turn the scale, until finally the king threw his entire body upon it in the supreme act of charity. At this time Sakra and Agni revealed their true identity and praised the king for his unbounded generosity.
The painting has suffered severe deterioration, however, the key scenes are still visible. On the left is an image of King Sibi seated upon a throne. The dove rests in his lap and the queen is at his side. In front of the throne are court attendants who hold whisks. On the right, King Sibi appears beside the scale. To the left above him, two Brahmins watch him cut the flesh from his body, and below, the queen, prince, and a crowd of people look on in despair. The composure and fearlessness of the king, the distress of his court attendants, and the admiration of the heavenly beings are all vividly depicted.