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Ajanta Cave Paintings & Sculptures : A Treasure of Timeless Heritage

Updated: Nov 24

Ajanta Cave Paintings & Sculptures : A Treasure of Timeless Heritage


Panoramic View of Ajanta Caves


Bodhisattva Padmapani , Cave 1

Bodhisattva Vajrapani , Cave 1

Devotional Paintings on vaulted ceiling, Cave - 10


Magnificent Sculpture on Facade of Cave - 19


Guide Map


·       Situated amidst lush green Sahyadri Range overlooking the Waghora River in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, the world famous rock – cut caves of Ajanta is a unique treasure of mural (dry Fresco) paintings and magnificent sculptures.

·       Believed to be created during two distinct phases :

(i)                 1st Phase between 2nd century and 1st century CE under patronage of kings of Satavahana dynasty).

(ii)               2nd Phase between 450 to 650 CE under patronage of Vakataka dynasty.

·       Nearly more than 1150 years since its creation, the Ajanta caves remain unknown to the entire world. This treasure of magnificent paintings and sculptures came to light when a group of British officers lead by John Smith ventured into this forest area along with locals for hunting and discovered these caves in year 1819.

·       It consists of a group of 30 rock – cut caves which are spread in horse shoe – shaped cliff meandering along the river Waghora. Out of 30 caves, 05 Nos. (cave Nos.- 9, 10, 19, 26 & 29) are ‘Chaitya grihas’ (or Prayer Halls) and 25 Nos. are ‘Viharas’ (or Monasteries).

·       The paintings and sculptures at Ajanta mainly depict Lord Buddha, famous events of His life, Bodhisattvas, Buddhist legends, palace / court scenes, street scenes, images of domestic & social life of that period, tales from Jatakas, flowers & floral patterns, birds, animals etc. Images of Yakshas, Yakshinis, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Nagas, foreign travellers, ornaments, musical instruments, weapons, utensils etc. are prominently displayed in different caves.

·       The façade and door panels of some of the caves like cave No.19, 26, 09 & 01 are very grand and impressive. Some of the chaitya grihas are having votive stupas without any image of Lord Buddha whereas some have votive stupas with Lord Buddha either in sitting or standing position in varada mudra.




Famous Painting Panels - Specimen of Magnificent Artistic Expression


·       It is believed that cave paintings were executed in 03 stages. The base was first prepared by laying a rough layer of ferruginous (reddish brown) earth, mixed with rock-grit or sand, vegetable fibres, paddy husk, grass and other fibrous material of organic origin. A 2nd coat of mud and ferruginous earth, mixed with fine rock powder or sand and fine fibrous vegetable material was applied on it. The surface was finished with a thin coat of lime wash. Finally top layer was painted with natural colours mainly red, green,  yellow ochre, lamp black, lapis lazuli etc. The colour, shade and tone of these paintings are of such a high quality that they are lively and bright even today. This is a testimony of high artistic knowledge of artists who created these cave paintings. It is still surprising how the great artists of Ajanta created such intricate paintings to the ceiling of nearly dark caves where sunlight was not reaching properly.

·       The paintings in cave 1 depicting ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani’ (holding lily in hand) and ‘ Bodhisattva Vajrapani’ (holding vajra in hand) are the most famous paintings.


Intricate Sculptures , Carved Pillars, Grand Facade at Ajanta Caves


·       During our posting at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore, we got opportunity to visit these famous Ajanta caves. Some memorable glimpses clicked during our visit have been displayed here which is a modest attempt to bring forward the rich artistic treasure for the viewers.

·       The Ajanta Caves was declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in year 1983.

# The paintings and sculptures created here are specimen of superb expressiveness, colour scheme, artistic imagination and highest standard of mural paintings. We may visit the timeless treasure of art & architecture at Ajanta to have a close view of India’s rich artistic caliber during ancient period.

Dedicated to the World Heritage Week , November 19 to 25, 2024

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