Remnants of a mural painted on the eves
The image shows the surviving fragments of a mural painted on the eves of Cave 3, the third of the rock-cut caves of Badami in Karnataka, India.
Painted in the late sixth century CE, this mural is generally interpreted as depicting a royal court scene. Some scholars identify the central figures as King Kirtivarman I (r. c. 566–597 CE), the father of Mangalesha, seated with his queen and members of the royal court while watching a dance performance. Others, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), interpret it more cautiously as a royal couple witnessing a dance, without identifying the figures.
Regardless of its precise identification, the mural demonstrates that Cave 3 was once richly decorated with colorful paintings in addition to its exquisitely carved sculptures, bas-reliefs, and other decorative features. Although only a few fragments survive today, traces of murals can still be seen on the cornices and other sheltered portions of the cave, providing valuable evidence of the sophisticated painting tradition of the Early Chalukya period.
Explore More About Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
Explore Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
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