Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. UNESCO had first listed the Ajanta Caves as a World Heritage Site in the year 1983. For a long time the caves remained camouflaged in the forest, they were discovered in 1983, today this site stands to be protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
An exceptional example of Buddhist architecture; the sculptures and paintings of this rock-cut cave date back to the pre-Christian Era, with its oldest; cave number 10, belonging to second century B.C. In addition to that, the caves are home to Buddhist stupas, intricately carved pillars and detailed carvings on the ceilings and walls, which are a major attraction.
The 30 caves carved out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora river by Buddhist monks with tools like the hammer and chisel. The sculptures and which depict a number of stories from The Jataka Tales and the life of Gautum Buddha; a sage who began the religion of Buddhism. Buddha himself did not believe in having carvings of him, however, after he passed away, his followers wanted something they could hold on to, to worship.
The illustrations and the carvings hence, also portray philosophies and teachings of the Buddha. The caves are said to be 2000 years old and the paintings to be a made 600 years later. One can notice that the paintings have been influenced by art forms from Tibet and Sri Lanka. Glue has been used as the binding element. After closely studying the monument, archaeologists suggest the caves were partly built in the Satvahana and the Vakataka period.
Monks used the caves as a refuge, especially during the monsoons; this is the purpose for which the caves were built.
The Ajanta Caves are known across the globe for its mesmerizing murals and beautiful paintings since they are key contributors to world art and considered to be treasures of ancient Indian art.
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