Introduction
A classic masterpiece of Buddhist art, the Ajanta caves, is a UNESCO world heritage site and a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India. But the cave paintings have started deteriorating in the past few decades and are losing the battle against insects and other climatic stressors.
What is special about Ajanta caves?
Ajanta Caves exemplifies one of the greatest achievements in ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. The artistic traditions at Ajanta present an important and rare specimen of art, architecture, painting, and socio-cultural, religious and political history of contemporary society in India.
Where is Ajanta caves picture?
Ajanta Caves, Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, located near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra state, western India, that are celebrated for their wall paintings.
Who first built Ajanta caves?
The caves were developed in the period between 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. The Ajanta caves were inscribed by the Buddhist monks, under the patronage of the Vakataka kings Harishena being a prominent one.
Which God is in Ajanta caves?
A vast majority of the caves were carved in the second period, wherein a shrine or sanctuary is appended at the rear of the cave, centred on a large statue of the Buddha, along with exuberantly detailed reliefs and deities near him as well as on the pillars and walls, all carved out of the natural rock.
Why is Ajanta famous 6?
It was declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1983 as the paintings and sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and have had a great influence in the development of art in India.
Why was Ajanta cave built?
While the main purpose of the caves was to celebrate the glory of Gautama Buddhas life and achievements, they also provide an important insight into the Buddhist life and belief system and the reflection of its values in art. In many ways, the Ajanta caves were a watershed in subcontinental architecture.
Why is Ajanta caves called Ajanta?
Accorded UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1983 CE, the ancient name of the site is untraceable today. Its current name is derived from a neighbouring village, the local pronunciation of which is Ajintha. It would be of interest to note, that Ajita is the colloquial name of Maitreya Buddha.
What are the main features of Ajanta?
What are the main features of Ajanta paintings?
These were built by the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Most of these were Buddhist monasteries, though paintings adorned some of them. .
These paintings contained the stories from jatakas and the life of Buddha.
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Who destroy Ajanta caves?
Captain John Smith in 1819 had been into vandalism inside the caves knowingly or unknowingly. After incidents like these, the amount of restoration couldnt save the amount of vandalism that had happened. Would you believe if a photographer had dedicated 27 years to digitally restore the paintings of the Ajanta Caves?
Conclusion
King Harisenas Cave Cave 1
The most spectacular cave in the entire Ajanta complex is Cave 1 (cover photo), commissioned by King Harisena. Because Harisena died suddenly, the cave was neither completed nor dedicated for active worship.