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The caves at Ajanta are excavated out of a vertical rock above the left bank of the river Waghora in the hills of Ajanta. They are thirty in all, including the incomplete ones, of which five (caves 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are chaityagrihas (sanctuary), and the remainder, sangharamas or viharas (monastery) (monastery). The caves are connected with the river by rock-cut steps. The excavation operation was carried out in two different phases separated by an interval of nearly four centuries. The first phase overlaps with the dominance of the Satavahana dynasty from roughly the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century BCE, while the second phase corresponds to the Basim branch of the Vakataka dynasty with their Asmaka and Rishika feudatories in the 5th to 6th centuries CE.
The story behind Ajanta cave
Many people believe that the name Ajanta comes from a nearby village that was also called Ajintha. Ajanta was both a place of pilgrimage and a center of study for Buddhists throughout its time. The caves contain paintings depicting themes from Buddhist mythology and legends, as well as sculptures of various theological figures that were painstakingly carved by hand over periods of time ranging from the second century BCE to the fifth century CE. These caves were carved by hand over the course of these time periods. The existing structure featured twenty-six habitation caves in addition to four worship halls. Due to the fact that some of the caves were meant to serve as dwellings and meeting places for Buddhist monks, not all of the caves were painted. Some of the caves had statues sculpted inside of them so that they may be used as places of worship. Although the primary goal of the caves was to celebrate the glory of Gautama Buddha’s life and accomplishments, they also provide an important insight into Buddhist life and belief system as well as the reflection of Buddhist values in art. While the primary goal of the caves was to celebrate the glory of Gautama Buddha’s life and achievements, the caves also provide an important insight into their life.
Hinayana/Theravadin adherents of Buddhism excavated six caverns (caves 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A), where Buddha was worshipped in an aniconic/symbolic form. These caves are stark and unadorned, with only a few murals to draw attention. In the chaityagrihas, the façade is dominated by the horseshoe-shaped window known as the chaitya window, which has an apsidal end. Colonnades separate the central nave from the side aisles, which continue around the apse to allow for circumambulation. A chaitya or stupa, likewise hewed from rock, sits in the apse’s center as a place of devotion. The monasteries have an astylar hall for the congregation, and a series of cells (viharas) on three sides for the monks to live in.
Buddhism’s Mahayana sect took control of the rupestral activities in the second phase when Buddha was venerated as an icon. The old caverns were repurposed, while new ones were excavated. A newfound architectural and aesthetic fervor infected the previous phase’s architectural forms, which persisted. Murals in the tempera manner were adorning both the walls and the ceiling; and the ceiling and walls were adorned with ornate sculptural grandeur. Rock excavation techniques and processes can be seen clearly in the unfinished caverns (5, 24, and 29).
An outstanding example of ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture, the Ajanta Caves are a must-see for anybody interested in ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. It is possible to find notable examples of Indian art, architecture, and painting at Ajanta, as well as the country’s socio-cultural, religious and political history. Ajanta’s uniqueness as a setting for such activities is reflected in the unusual flourishing of Buddhism that can be observed in the architecture, sculptures, and paintings there. Epigraphic records found at Ajanta provide valuable information on the current social climate.
Rediscovery of Ajanta cave
Caves at Ajanta were hewn out of the rock in two distinct eras between the 2nd century BCE and 650 CE. The caves date back to this time period. The Ajanta Caves have become a symbol of ancient Indian art, and its discovery in 1819 by British soldiers on a hunt led to the formation of succeeding artists and art styles. The Ajanta Caves were discovered by accident.
Conclusion
The caves at Ajanta are excavated out of a vertical rock above the left bank of the river Waghora. They contain paintings depicting themes from Buddhist mythology and legends. The caves were carved by hand over periods of time ranging from the second century BCE to the fifth century CE. The Ajanta Caves at Ajanta were hewn out of the rock in two distinct eras between the 2nd century BCE and 650 CE. The caves are an excellent example of one of the most impressive accomplishments in the field of ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture.
