Mambers of the Public

Mambers of the Public

Ajanta Caves,Gupta Period,5th Century CE

            Besides the Buddhist figures, the Kings and Queens of Jataka stories, the common man also invited the attention of the Ajanta artists.  Since the artists were themselves common man, they had the sympathy for their own fellow beings. Thus, the members of public were drawn with sympathy and care. 

            Here we see two persons who have approached a person in authority. Although the stand with a sense of dignity, they are about to address their problems.  Thus, they are about to supplicate. That they are from a rich class is well depicted from their attire and jewelery.  They may be businessman. 

             The relationship between the political power and the business class is an ancient one. It is a symbiotic relationship.  While the business class oils the politicians, the latter protects the interests of the former. This relationship has been commented upon both by Machievelli and by Chanakya.  

             The Dharmashastras teach that the King is like the father figure,  the citizens like children.  Thus, it is the duty of the King to look after the interest of the people.  But this has rarely been done in history. The common man is merely the subject of political speeches, but not the subject of our policies.  He is like the prayer beads which we twirl for our personal gains. It is only the artist who can capture the agony and the extacy of the common man.  The political class is oblivious of their pain and pleasure. The political climate may warm up, like the global climate,  but it doesn't reinvent itself into something new.