Copy of painting in the caves of Ajanta (cave 17)
Oil Painting
1881-1883 (made)
1881-1883 (made)
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This is a copy of a painting in cave 17 at Ajanta. These cave paintings date from the 1st century BC to about AD 480 and are the oldest surviving examples of painting in India. They depict stories from the lives of the Buddha (the Jatakas). This one shows scenes from the Sibi Jataka.
The Ajanta cave complex was discovered in 1819 and attempts were made to document the paintings inside them. In 1844 Major Robert Gill was commissioned to make copies. Unfortunately most of the paintings he completed were destroyed in a fire in 1866. To make up for this loss, from 1872 to 1885 John Griffiths from the Bombay School of Art and seven Indian students spent every winter at the caves. This is one of the approximately 300 paintings they produced.
The Ajanta cave complex was discovered in 1819 and attempts were made to document the paintings inside them. In 1844 Major Robert Gill was commissioned to make copies. Unfortunately most of the paintings he completed were destroyed in a fire in 1866. To make up for this loss, from 1872 to 1885 John Griffiths from the Bombay School of Art and seven Indian students spent every winter at the caves. This is one of the approximately 300 paintings they produced.
Object details
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| Materials and techniques | Oil on canvas |
| Brief description | Copy of painting in the caves of Ajanta by John Griffiths and students of the Bombay School of Art. |
| Physical description | On the right hand side of the painting a king sits on his throne surrounded by attendants. He wears an ornate crown and strings of pearls. He rests one hand on the seat of his throne in front of him and with the other hand he covers his eye. His attendants are looking at him with sad expressions on their faces. On the left hand side of the painting, which is not in good condition, it is possible to make out two men and a cow. The two men have sticks in their hands and appear to be appealing to the king. There is an inscription on the kings throne. |
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| Object history | Historical significance: The paintings inside the caves of Ajanta tell stories from the lives of the Buddha. The painting depcits scenes from the Sibi Jataka. Narrative: King Sibi is a very generous king who endeavours to provide for all the needs of his subjects. His generosity is such that he is prepared to give them whatever they demand. In order to test him, the god Indra, disguised as a blind Brahmin, demands king Sibi’s eyes. To the horror of those in his court, Sibi pulls out his own eyes (IS.45-1885). Indra is impressed with the blind king’s willingness to sacrifice himself and eventually restores his vision. The king is seen on a triumphal procession, accompanied by standard-beares, musicians and attendants. |
| Historical context | The cave paintings of Ajanta are the oldest surviving examples of painting in India. They depict stories from the lives of the Buddha (the jatakas) and date from the 1st century BC to about AD 480. The cave complex was discovered in 1819 and since then attempts have been made to document the paintings inside them. In 1844 Major Robert Gill was commissioned to make copies. Unfortunately most of the paintings he completed were destroyed in a fire in 1866. To make up for this loss, from 1872, John Griffiths from the Bombay school of Art and seven Indian students spent every winter for the following 13 years at the caves producing approximately 300 paintings, of which this is one. |
| Production | Painted by John Griffiths and students from the Bombay School of Art |
| Subject depicted | |
| Place depicted | |
| Summary | This is a copy of a painting in cave 17 at Ajanta. These cave paintings date from the 1st century BC to about AD 480 and are the oldest surviving examples of painting in India. They depict stories from the lives of the Buddha (the Jatakas). This one shows scenes from the Sibi Jataka. The Ajanta cave complex was discovered in 1819 and attempts were made to document the paintings inside them. In 1844 Major Robert Gill was commissioned to make copies. Unfortunately most of the paintings he completed were destroyed in a fire in 1866. To make up for this loss, from 1872 to 1885 John Griffiths from the Bombay School of Art and seven Indian students spent every winter at the caves. This is one of the approximately 300 paintings they produced. |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.45-1885 |
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| Record created | July 6, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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