Page:The Rock-cut Temples of India.djvu/203



HE principal effect of this Cave is derived from its paintings, especially those on the ceiling. These are not of the same high class of historical paintings which adorn the Viharas 16 and 17, being generally only decorative scrolls and patterns, but as architectural ornaments, they are more complete and elaborate than those found in the other Caves, and being generally appropriate to the situation in which they are placed, they give a greater effect of finish to this Cave than is usual at Ajunta. Taken altogether, there is perhaps no Cave at this place from which the effect and arrangements of a complete Vihara can be better understood than they can from this example. 44