Ajanta Caves

The enunciation of the words Ajanta Caves commands respect in the art connoisseurs worldwide. Lying 101 km north of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, Ajanta Caves represent the splendor of Buddhist art and architecture. The caves, which are carved in the rocks are in the midst of a picturesque landscape of Deccan basalt. The caves are 30 in number and the domain of traditional display of the bygone era. Ajanta Caves stand for the whole evolution of Buddhist architecture. The caves have been cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan. The jungle environment of the caves add much charm to this beautiful piece of Buddhist architecture.

Ajanta Caves were discovered in 1819 AD, and some of the paintings found inside them were made between 5 and 7 century AD. Almost every painting is contained in these centers around caves of the Buddhist religion. Some of them depicting the Buddha, bodhisattvas some, while others are based on stories Jatakas and incidents from the life of Buddha. Mud-plaster floor, constructed using the technique of tempera base tables seen at Ajanta.

Located far from home, amid isolated environments, the caves built in the middle of a huge rock. The main objective behind the construction of the Ajanta caves was to provide a dwelling place and asked the Buddhist monks who were dedicated to the mission to spread the principles of Buddhism worldwide. All were carved with exquisite precision and decorated with architectural details. The sculptures seen here seems to be the result of excellent craftsmanship.

The caves of Ajanta elderly located was built centuries before Christ and belongs to the time of the Hinayana sect of Buddhism flourished in India. The second group of caves date to somewhere around the back of the second century AD, when Buddhism was divided into two different sects. This period can be considered one after the Fourth General Council held under the rule of the great king, Kanishka. Whenever you are in Maharashtra, so be sure to visit this impressive caves.