Page:The Rock-cut Temples of India.djvu/259



HE external architecture has nearly lost all trace of its wooden origin, except the rafters of the great opening, which were seldom lost sight of; but now they are beginning to be used as shelves for figures, and the lowest is cut through to make room for two seated Buddhas, larger than the rest.

The whole of the roof of the external porch or music gallery in front has fallen in, but so far as can be made out, it extended the whole way across, which is unusual at Ajunta.

Internally the walls of the aisles, instead of being painted, are covered with sculptures, among them a reclining figure of Buddha, 23 ft. long, in the attitude in which Nirvana or beatitude is attained. But this is accompanied by figures so comical and extravagant in design, as prove too clearly that the religion of Sakya Muni no longer existed in its original purity when the Cave was undertaken. 58