The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta Caves considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence.
Hidden away in the hills of northwest India, some 200 miles from the busy streets of Mumbai, emerges a magnificent jewel of art and religion: the Ajanta Caves. The caves, cut into the face of a mountain, form a horseshoe shape around the Wangorah River. They are an example of one of Indian’s unique artistic traditions known as rock-cut temples. Ajanta consists of thirty caves, each dedicated to the life of the Buddha.
Each cave is filled with sculptures, wall murals, and ceiling paintings. Though much of this site has collapsed. What remains at Ajanta has allowed a glimpse into the artistic traditions of ancient India.
The caves at Ajanta date from the 2nd century B.C.E. to 650 C.E. They were cut into the mountainside in two distinct phases. Discovered by chance in 1819 by British soldiers on a hunt. The Ajanta Caves have become an icon of ancient Indian art, and have influenced subsequent artists and styles.
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These paintings depict colorful Buddhist legends and divinities with an exuberance and vitality that is unsurpassed in Indian art. Moreover, he caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
Caves Chronology
Also known as the caves from the Vakataka period there is some discrepancy over the exact time of construction. For many years it was thought that the caves were built between the 4th and 7th centuries. However, studies by Walter Spink suggest that the period of construction was, in fact, concise and lasted from 460 to 480 CE. His views and studies have been broadly accepted today.
Emperor Harishena from the Vakataka dynasty is believed to be the chief patron of the second period of caves. Caves that fall under this period are no. 1-8, 11, 14-29. These set of caves fall under the Mahayana phase of Buddhism and hence are home to stunning sculptures and paintings. However, the paintings and sculptures became a source of worship.
This phase also started accepting women as nuns, and unlike the Hinayana school which denied pleasure, the Mahayana form was open to the desires between a man and woman. The paintings, sculptures and artworks reflect these influences. Cave 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya Grihas or the prayer halls. The rest of the caves are viharas or abodes for monks.
Popular Among Public
In 1819, John Smith happened to chance upon the caves during a hunting expedition. He discovered cave no. 10; however, the locals were aware of their existence. Within a few years from his discovery, the caves became famous for their location; rock cut arts and magnificent architecture.
The authenticity of Ajanta Caves is expressed through the architectural forms of chaityagrihas and viharas as well as the schemes used in decorating these spaces, such as sculptures and painted panels depicting various Buddhist traditions. Its location and setting, as well as its materials and substance, are likewise authentically associated with the history of Buddhism and with two important eras in the history of India.
June to March are the best months to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves. It becomes a little difficult to travel around and explore the caves in summers April-May. Winters and Monsoon are ideal as the climate is pleasant from October to March and June to September which is the best time to visit the caves. Avoid summers if you don’t want the sun to bother you while you are enjoying your archaeological journey. The scorching heat of April and May makes it a bit challenging for the tourists.
Now its been shown in many Bollywood movies to give aesthetic touch to the background. Netflix movie ‘Ray’ used this location to depict one of their short story.