File:19th century copy of 1st century BCE to 5th century CE Ajanta Cave 1 painting Sudhana Jataka.jpg

English: From the source,

There is fire damage on the left hand side of the painting. The scene directly following the fire damage shows a man seated and dressed in a patterned outfit, very different from other costumes. He is gesturing as if he is explaining something. Above him is a woman carrying a tray with some objects on it. Behind these and to the right, a man in white robe and holding a stick is coming through a doorway.

To the right the palace setting continues, represented with an elaborately decorated roof held up by ornate pillars. Within this are several female figures but as the central section of this painting is missing it is not possible to distinguish who the key figure is. There are three female attendants to the right and two figures, one of which carries a chauri (flywisk). To the left of this is a male figure below which are the top halves of two women. Within the architectural features, the sides of the walls/gateways in the centre of the painting and to the right have a window in which is placed a lota (waterpot).

Left hand edge of this painting links to right hand edge of IS.18-1885

This part of the painting depicts a section of the Sudhana Jataka. The narrative sequence in this painting continues on IS. 18-1885 and IS.38-1885.

The king of the Nagas or snake king sits with his queen surrounded by attendants. He has presented a precious robe to a hunter in gratitude for the rescue of his son. The hunter, dressed in this gift, seen here on the right hand side with an elaborate blue and white striped costume, asks the king for an additional gift of a magical noose which will help him capture a fairy princess. (IS.38-1885)

The hunters captures the princess, and gives her to a prince called Sudhana. They live happily together until a problem at court makes her flee the palace. After a long adventurous journey, he comes to find her.

When she is bathing on her balcony, having water poured over her by other maidens she catches sight of a signet ring in one of the maid’s water jugs. She recognises this as belonging to Prince Sudhana and realises that he must have thrown it in there and that he has come to find her. (IS.18-1885)

Inside the palace, the princess hides Sudhana away from the king. Sitting with her attendants she gestures with her hand and reveals to a friend her love for Sudhana who is shown here standing in the doorway holding a walking-staff and with the same hand gesture. (IS.12-1885)

Inside the royal palace the princess tells her father, the king of her love for Sudhana and obtains his consent for their marriage.