Ajanta Caves
Ajintha Caves · Ajanta Grottoes
Satavahana early phase 200 BCE–100 CE; Vakataka renaissance 460–480 CE·Buddhist (Hinayana → Mahayana)·🇮🇳 Maharashtra, India
No machine-readable author provided. Soman assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY 2.5
About
About Ajanta Caves
Thirty horseshoe-gorge rock-cut caves overlooking Waghora River with exquisite murals and sculptures: early 2nd century BCE–1st century CE Hinayana phase and later 460–480 CE Mahayana phase under Vakataka king Harisena, preserving finest surviving classical Indian painting.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Pigment and binding techniques still vivid after 1500 years
- 02Abrupt abandonment in 480 CE with unfinished caves
Theories
- 01Decline of Vakataka patronage halted work
- 02Technique influence on Ellora and later Deccan painting schools
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Caves 9,10,12,13 c.100 BCE; caves 1,2,16,17 c.462–480 CE
- Period
- Satavahana early phase 200 BCE–100 CE; Vakataka renaissance 460–480 CE
- Culture
- Buddhist (Hinayana → Mahayana)
- Purpose
- Buddhist chaitya-griha (prayer halls) and vihara (monasteries) for monsoon retreats
- Excavation
- Excavated
Caves 9,10,12,13 c.100 BCE; caves 1,2,16,17 c.462–480 CE
Initial construction
c. 1487 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
20.5534° N · 75.7003° E · 450 m · 3 mapped features
- 20.5539° N · 75.6992° E
Cave 1 (Maharaja Vihara with Bodhisattva murals)
vihara - 20.5545° N · 75.7001° E
Cave 19 (Chaitya with Buddha)
chaitya - 20.5549° N · 75.7004° E
Cave 26 (Reclining Buddha)
chaitya
Gallery