Ajanta Cave 17: Prince Visvantara Jataka

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

There are two illustrations of the Visvantara Jataka within Cave 17, one on the left side of the back wall of the portico, and another on the left wall within the main hall. It is one of the most popular Jataka tales and is found in the Pali Jataka No. 547. The story recounts the events in the Buddha’s former life as the generous Prince Visvantara.
Prince Visvantara of Jetuttara and his wife, Princess Madri, were renowned for their generosity. One day, the prince heard of a severe drought in a neighboring kingdom. The benevolent prince immediately offered to them his magical elephant, which would bring rain and ease their suffering. The citizens of Jetuttara, having considered the elephant their own security from drought, were furious and demanded the prince be banished from the kingdom. The prince, upon hearing this, immediately took leave of the palace with his family, distributing his worldly possessions to the people as he departed. On the road, the prince even gave away his wife and his children to demonstrate the concept of perfect generosity.
The two paintings shown here are found in the portico. The first scene presents a palace set within a shaded grove of trees. The prince and princess are seen embracing upon a couch. Prince Visvantara wears a crown and has long curly hair. Princess Madri is adorned with jewelry and tilts her head affectionately. A servant wearing a hat stands on the right with a jug, and on the left, a second servant wears a white robe and carries a container with both hands. Opposite the second figure is a small boy who holds a golden cup and looks up at the royal couple. In the second scene, Prince Visvantara and Princess Madri take leave of the palace with solemn expressions. The palace attendants bid them farewell and two people watch from a window. The paintings are vivid and expressive.