1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
16L
16T
16ab
16s
17
18
19
20a
20b
21
22
23
24
24a1
24a2
25
26
27
28
29
30
30a
31
32
32y
33
34
g1,2,3,4,5
g6,7
g8,9,10,11,12
g13,14,15,16
g17,18,19
j1,2
j3,4
Ellora Cave Temples
Dwarapala
The connection between Cave 17 and 21 is most apparent through the images of these dwarapalas. They have much of the same "Elephanta"-type grace that survives, a bit tenuously, in the related figures in Cave 21. And they are similarly posed, each holding a lotus in the proper right hand. As in most Early Kalacuri examples the expected dwarfs above fly toward the shrine, while a single attendant below functions as an ayudhapurusa. This is suggested by the burly form and the mustachioed mien of the dwarf beside the right dvarapala, who appears to hold both a lotus flower and a noose. The other figure is harder to "read" as an ayudhapurusa, for he appears rather old and/or crippled, leaning on his staff. But he is quite directly copied from a counterpart in Cave 26, who also has the three tufts (of hair?) on his forehead and is possibly wearing the hair behind in a snood.
5261 (c17SDl.jpg)