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Description and Chronology of Caves
large panel flanked by two squares on each side. Nothing can be said about the front aisle or the verandah ceiling as no traces are left here. But most probably there was a row of squares as on the side aisle ceiling. Each stone beam running between the pillars had two squares. The stone beam running between the pillars and pilasters had a single square each as suggested by the space. The ceilings of the niches were also painted.
Back aisle:
5. Indra and other figures: In front of the shrine is a large square flanked by two squares of equal size on each side. The central square has a painting of a figure of eight-armed dancing male (Plate 53). His legs are in chatura posture, while all the hands are in various mudras. Lower left hand is in gajahasta while the lower right hand is in kapittha mudra. His next left hand is on the thigh while the corresponding right hand is hanging down. Next left hand is in suchihasta. The mudras of the other hands are not clear. He wears a long crown and usual ornaments. Behind his head is an oval halo; while above the head is single chhatra. Flanking his head are small dancing females, two on each side. Above his head is a male on each side. The one on the left has hands in añjali. Near his feet are few seated figures, four males to his right and two females to left. One male is playing two drums, while the male to his left is playing cymbals. One of the females is playing flute. All the figures are looking up at the dancing male. Their heads are towards shrine. This figure can be identified with Indra, who performs dance at the bathing ceremony of Jina after his birth (Shah U.P. 1987: 60). This representation is very similar to the sculptural depiction of dancing Indra in Chhota Kailasa.
Each square to the right of Indra panel has a male flanked by a female. Their heads face the Indra. The figures in the square near back wall of the hall are moving towards shrine, while those in the other are moving in the opposite direction. The male and female in the former panel, though unclear, seem to be in dancing posture. The other female plays cymbals. All the figures in the latter panel play musical instruments. The male and a female play cymbals while the other female plays an instrument similar to ekatārā.
Each square to the left of Indra panel has three figures. As colours have faded, the painting is not very clear. But it depicts flying males and females.
6. Two males and four females: This frame does not have any border. Each male figure is flanked by a female in the attitude of supporting him. The heads of all the figures are towards Indra panel.
7. Couple: The couple is shown in the posture of moving forward with their heads towards Indra. The male has one hand around the neck of the female. There is a male figure behind the couple with his hands held up in anjali.
Beams:
8. Two couples and a Fighting Scene: There are two frames on the stone beam between the back pillars. One frame has two couples, while the other depicts a fighting scene (Plate 67).
Of the two couples, one is shown with arms thrown around each other, while the female of the other couple is shown with one hand held up and the male is shown
