- Ajanta and Ellora caves are two of the most famous and important archaeological sites in India. They are located in the state of Maharashtra in western India, and are known for their rock-cut temples and monasteries, which date back to ancient times.
The world-famous Ajanta Caves are some of the most spectacular examples of sculpture and painting in human history. About 450 kilometers away from the country’s financial capital Mumbai, the Ajanta caves were carved out of huge mountains and rocks, which are like a horseshoe in shape. These caves, built in the Sahyadri mountain range, are located near the Waghora River near Aurangabad. A village named ‘Ajintha’ is situated at some distance from here and the caves of Ajanta have been named on this basis. There are total 29 caves in it. Various incidents related to Lord Buddha have been depicted beautifully on the walls and ceilings here. There are two types of caves here – Vihar and Chaitya Griha.
The number of Viharas is 25, while the number of Chaitya Grihas is four. On one hand, Vihar was used by Buddhists to live, while Chaitya Griha was used as a place of meditation. There are stupas built at the end of these caves, which symbolize Lord Buddha.
- Development of caves:-
Caves were developed in 200 BC. It happened between 650 AD. The Ajanta caves were excavated by Buddhist monks under the patronage of the Vakataka kings, of whom Harisena was a prominent one. Information about the Ajanta Caves is found in the travelogues of Chinese Buddhist travelers Fa Hien (380 – 415 AD during the reign of Chandragupta II) and Hiuen Tsang (606 – 647 AD during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana).
- Paintings in Ajanta Caves:
The figures in these caves were depicted using fresco painting. There is abundance of red color in the paintings of these caves but there is absence of blue color. Buddha and Jataka stories are generally depicted in these paintings.
The Ajanta Caves remained unknown for thousands of years except to wild animals and the local Bhil communities. These caves were discovered in 1819 by John Smith, a young military officer of the Madras Regiment. UNESCO Site: These caves were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1983. It is said that John Smith was out hunting when he saw the mouth of a cave in front of the Waghora River, which seemed to be made by humans. After this, he went to the cave with his team. There he saw magnificent carvings on the walls and in front of him was a statue of a meditating Buddha. He carved his name on a statue of the Bodhisattva. The news of Smith’s discovery started spreading rapidly in the world. Then, in 1844, the Royal Asiatic Society appointed Major Robert Gill to make reproductions of the paintings made here. But, it was not easy for Robert Gill to work here, because there was severe heat and danger of wildlife as well as Bhil tribals. The Bhil tribals were quite fierce and neither any Indian ruler nor the British army equipped with modern weapons ever had the courage to attack them. With the help of ropes and ladders, Robert Gill went inside the cave and saw the magnificent architecture and sculpture there. Kar was surprised. There were thousands of images of Buddha here, which today are inspiring millions of people in the world to think.
- Similarity to Greek arts
Apart from the images of Buddha, many animals, ornaments and costumes were also depicted here. Similarities were visible in these like Greek arts. Which cannot be called a mere coincidence.
- Also Read – Baahubali’s Mahishmati Kingdom is based on the name of this ancient city of India!
- Major Features of Ajanta Caves in Hindi
Ajanta Caves are known for their unique and intricate features. Some of the major features of Ajanta Caves are as follows:-
- Elaborate Paintings: The Ajanta Caves are known for their elaborate paintings, which are considered some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. These paintings depict scenes from the life of the Buddha as well as Hindu mythology and the lives of everyday people. The paintings were made using natural colors, such as red and yellow ochre, white clay and lamp black.
- Buddhist Sculptures: The caves also contain many sculptures of Buddha and other Buddhist figures including bodhisattvas and arhats. The sculptures are carved out of rock and are often located in niches in the walls of caves.
- Rock-cut Architecture: The Ajanta Caves are an example of rock-cut architecture, where the caves were excavated from the rock of a horseshoe-shaped valley. The caves were formed by cutting the rock using basic tools such as hammer, chisel and pickaxe. The caves are arranged in two groups: the earlier Hinayana phase and the later Mahayana phase.
- Chaitya Halls: The Hinayana caves include chaitya halls, which are semi-circular in shape and were used as places of worship by monks. The walls of the hall are decorated with paintings and sculptures.
- Viharas: Mahayana caves include viharas, which are rectangular in shape and were used as residential quarters for monks. The walls of the monasteries are also decorated with paintings and sculptures.
- Monastery Complex: Ajanta Caves are not just a collection of caves but an entire monastery complex. The caves include living quarters, dining hall and meditation hall. The complex was designed to accommodate a large number of monks and was self-sufficient in terms of food and water.
- Mahaparinirvana Painting: The Mahaparinirvana Painting located in Cave 26 is considered one of the masterpieces of Indian art. The painting depicts the death of the Buddha and his entry into nirvana. The painting is over 15 feet tall and is located in the largest cave of the complex.
- Murals: The Ajanta caves also have frescoes, which are paintings made on wet plaster. The frescoes are located on the ceilings and upper parts of the walls of the caves. The murals depict scenes from the Jataka tales, which are stories about the past lives of the Buddha.
- Significance of Ajanta Caves in Hindi
The Ajanta Caves represent an important stage in the development of Indian art and culture spanning more than 700 years. They provide a window into the religious, social and artistic milieu of ancient India, especially Buddhism.
Ajanta Caves are famous for their excellent wall paintings. These are considered masterpieces of Indian art. These paintings display a wide range of techniques, styles and subjects. It includes Buddhist mythological stories, Jataka stories and scenes from everyday life.
Ajanta caves are also notable for their architecture. It reflects the influence of both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The caves contain a variety of structural elements, including columns, capitals, friezes and statues.
The Ajanta Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
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