Cave 17

- Mrga

This painting is another testament to the Buddhist virtue of universal compassion or compassion for all creatures and beings in the world. The story is also the basis for India's first animation film in colour titled 'The Banyan Tree'.

Two herds of antelopes enter into a pact with a king who were hunting them. Everyday one antelope would volunteer to be slaughtered and eaten by the king. When it was the turn of a pregnant antelope, the virtuous leader of the herd decides to sacrifice his life to save hers. The king is moved by this gesture and decides to forego eating meat.