SOme Facts and Frequently asked Question About the Ajanta Caves

Where the Ajanta caves are situated?

Ajanta Caves, Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, located near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra state, western India, are celebrated for their wall paintings.

What is the technique of Ajanta paintings?

The technique of paintings is purely tempera and animal glue has probably been used as a binding agent to the pigments at Ajanta and related sites. Unlike fresco painting, the paintings technique in India is either tempera or secco and the binding medium identified at Ajanta is animal glue.

Who constructed Ajanta caves?

20 caves were built during the Vakataka dynasty, during the reign of Harisena, and at the end of his reign, these caves were abandoned. Inside the caves, you can see paintings depicting the life of Gautam Buddha, and also stories from Jataka Tales.

What are Ajanta caves famous for? 

The Ajanta Caves constitute ancient monasteries and worship-halls of different Buddhist traditions carved into a 75-metre (246 ft) wall of rock. The caves also present paintings depicting the past lives and rebirths of the Buddha, pictorial tales from Aryasura's Jatakamala, and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities.

What are the main features of Ajanta paintings?

Red ochre, yellow ochre, brown ochre, lamp black, white, and lapis were the main colours which were used which were imported from Northern India, central Asia, and Persia. 5. All the walls and pilasters are covered by overlapping figures, brought to life with bright and contrasting colours by the artists.

Which is better Ajanta or Ellora caves?

Ajanta caves are all on a single hill - horse-shoe shaped. The caves are closer when compared to Ellora. Ajanta is fully dedicated to Buddhism and is known for paintings rather than sculptures, unlike Ellora. ... Caves 1, 2, 9, 10, 17, 19 and 26 are the most important ones as far as Ajanta paintings are concerned.

What are the features of 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.

How were Ajanta caves discovered?

On 28 April 1819, John Smith, the Madras Presidency officer, accidentally discovered the entrance to Cave No. 10 deep within the tangled undergrowth while hunting a tiger, which led to the discovery of the showpiece Ajanta caves. ... Notably, the caves were discovered by him only due to his hobby of hunting," Martin said.

Which is the oldest cave in India? 

Barabar Hill Caves, Bihar The Barabar Hill Caves are noteworthy for apparently being the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. They mostly date back to the time of the Mauryan Dynasty and Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.

Why is Ajanta famous?

The Ajanta caves near Aurangabad are well-known for their cave architecture, sculpture and murals. The caves have been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. ... The fresco paintings on the walls of the Ajanta Caves depict scenes from the life of the Buddha. The Jataka tales have also been shown in the paintings.

Is Ajanta and Ellora the same?

While Ajanta is mostly about beautiful paintings made on cave walls on the theme of Buddhism, Ellora is all about sculpture and architecture belonging to three different religions prevailing in the country during those times—Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. ... These caves are named after a nearby village called Ajanta.

What is the theme of Ajanta paintings?

They are found on the walls and ceilings at Ajanta. The paintings reflect different phases of Indian Culture from Jain tirthankar Mahaveer's birth to his nirvana in the 8th Century AD. ... Though the themes in these paintings are both secular and religious, they do depict some aspect of Buddhist life and rituals.

Why are the paintings of Ajanta so important?

Paintings in the Ajanta caves are one of the most exquisite examples of Buddhist art and architecture. Explanation: Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra consider being the most famous Buddhist temple. ... The paintings had an educational function, presenting to the community the teachings of Buddha and his various reincarnations.

Is Ajanta Caves worth visiting?

If the Ajanta Caves has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and is often described as the finest surviving example of Indian Art - one visit will validate that ! ... So did the rock-cut sculptures in some of the caves. More so when some of them date back even to the 2nd century BC.

Is photography allowed in Ajanta Caves?

Photography is allowed inside the Ajanta caves but without flash.

Can we cover Ajanta and Ellora in one day?

1. Re: Possible to do Ellora and Ajanta Caves in One Day? It is possible but I would not advise it, you would be well and truly "carved out" by the end, much better to take your time and enjoy. However, if you are pressed for time, it is possible.

Why were Ajanta caves abandoned?

Hidden away from civilization, the caves at Ajanta were constructed to facilitate a peaceful environment for Buddhist monks. Location was key for the monks who wished to remain undiscovered and undisturbed. ... As Buddhism retreated from this part of the world in the 5th century CE, the caves were gradually abandoned.

Which is the biggest cave in the world?

Image result Son Doong Son Doong is the largest cave in the world. It is located in central Vietnam's Quang Binh province. Son Doong, which is estimated to be 400 to 450 million years old is now part of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO heritage site.

Which is the deepest cave in India?

Of the ten longest and deepest caves in India, the first nine are in Meghalaya, while the tenth is in Mizoram. The longest is Krem Liat Prah in the Jaintia Hills, which is 30,957 m (101,600 ft).

Which is the oldest rock-cut cave in India?

Barabar Hill Caves The Barabar Hill Caves (Hindi बराबर, Barābar) are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating from the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), some with Ashokan inscriptions, located in the Makhdumpur region of Jehanabad district, Bihar, India, 24 km (15 mi) north of Gaya.

How old is Ajanta caves 6? 

Though the caves are over 2,000 years old, the Buddha statues had been added close 600 years later.

What was the purpose of cave paintings? 

Cave art is generally considered to have a symbolic or religious function, sometimes both. The exact meanings of the images remain unknown, but some experts think they may have been created within the framework of shamanic beliefs and practices.

Why do you think the Ajanta paintings are unique?

The Ajanta cave paintings and rock-cut sculptures are described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotion through gesture, pose and form. ... Mural paintings survive from both the earlier and later groups of caves.

Which one is the famous painting from Ajanta?

Bodhisattva Padmapani Bodhisattva Padmapani is perhaps the best known of the paintings in Ajanta Caves. Padmapani in Sanskrit literally translates into one who holds the lotus. Bodhisattva is one who aspires to be a Buddha.

What do you mean by Ajanta cave painting?

The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form. ... They are universally regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.