Ajanta Cave 26: Column Capitals and Frieze

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

The column capitals and frieze within the main hall are covered with intricate sculptural work. The column capitals imitate the bracket set of wooden structures, embellished with seated Buddha in the center and apsaras at the sides. Above each seated Buddha is a yaksa shown in a lifting posture, as if to support the frieze. The frieze contains a narrow lower band of square images with finely rendered yaksas, warriors, and foliated patterns. Above these is a row of Buddha niches, each of them uniquely conceived and separated by small, elaborately sculpted pilasters. Among the niches, the larger ones contain a Buddha flanked by two attendants while smaller niches contain single Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, either seated or standing. The mudras displayed by the Buddhas also vary and include the varada (wish-granting), abhaya (fearlessness), and Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudras. The interior of the niches are further decorated with apsaras, figures making offerings, Dharma wheels, and pairs of deer. More patterns are located above the niches in narrow bands.