1. Composition

2. Composition of the paintings over the period is an interesting study.

3. The Raja with his retinue, Cave 10
Earlier phase (2nd - 1st centuries BC)
Narration arranged
in the form of long canvass,
at eye level,
progressing from episode to episode
The Raja with his retinue, Cave 10

4. Later phase (4th century AD onwards)
Later the paintings overspread
the entire surface of the wall.
In these paintings narratives proceed
from scene to scene and
from act to act
harmoniously.
The scenes are not separated
into frames that might disturb
the concentration
of the viewing devotees.

5. Later phase (4th century AD onwards)
An interesting feature of the narration,
from the earlier times,
is that a strict chronology of events
was not followed.
In many panels scenes are
grouped according
to the location of the scenes.
The composition of Matriposhaka Jataka,
is typical of this period.

6. Matri-poshaka Jataka Bodhisattva born as Matri-poshaka,
a white elephant, lives in a forest taking care of his blind parents.
Once the elephant rescues a man, and requests him
not to divulge his presence to any one.

7. Scene 1 The ungrateful person, who was rescued by Matri-poshaka,
gives out his whereabouts to the king.
Scene 1

8. Scene 1
Scene 2
The captured elephant is being led to the city.

9. Scene 1
Scene 3
The king supervises feeding the elephant, but the elephant refuses to eat.
Before the brooding elephant is seen food in a large vessel and sugarcane lying about.
Scene 2

10. Scene 1 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 2
The released animal is walking majestically towards the forest.
Scene 3
Scene 4
Scene 2

11. Scene 1
Scene 3
Scene 4
The happy reunion.
Scene 5
Scene 2

12. Later phase (4th century AD onwards)
Many panels suggest that
the Ajanta artists used
specific conventions
for separating scenes and acts
from each other
using suggestive punctuation marks.

13. Maha-janaka Jataka, Cave 1
A gateway
may mark the end of an act
In a palace scene
pillars may separate the scenes
Maha-janaka Jataka, Cave 1