Kizil Cave 38: Prince Sudana Jataka

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling within the main chamber of Cave 38. The Jataka is found in the Sutra on the Collection of the Six Perfections and tells the story of Prince Sudana, who possessed unrivaled generosity. The prince had a white elephant that was treasured by the kingdom. Yet, when the neighboring rival kingdom asked Prince Sudana for the elephant, he freely gave it away. King Sanjaya was furious at his actions and exiled Sudana and his family. Thereafter, a brahmin asked to take Sudana’s children as slaves. Sudana agreed and assisted the brahmin in tying them up. When the king of the rival kingdom heard of Sudana’s generosity, the two kingdoms reconciled.
In the image, Prince Sudana kneels in a doorway with blue hair, earrings, a turquoise stole, and a light blue dhoti. He offers his two children, who cling to him and look back at the brahmin. The brahmin appears emaciated, with blue skin, a white dhoti, and a yellow stole. He holds out his hands to receive the rope on which the children are tethered.