Ajanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇮🇳 Maharashtra, Ajanta, India
About
About Ajanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural
Ajanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural in Maharashtra, Ajanta, India is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 20.5510N 75.7040E controls access to Maharashtra resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Maharashtra, Ajanta, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1967 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Ajanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural main structure
c. 1507 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1967–2012
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Ajanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
20.5510° N · 75.7040° E · 215 m · 3 mapped features
Ajanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
20.5518° N · 75.7049° EAjanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
20.5500° N · 75.7033° EAjanta Cave 17 Veranda Mural — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
20.5525° N · 75.7052° E