Overview
The Ajanta Caves are in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 30 caves sit in a horseshoe-shaped cliff above the Waghora River. They were made between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. Work happened in two phases. The first phase was 2nd to 1st century BCE, under the Satavahanas. Those were Hinayana caves, with simple stupas and no Buddha images. Caves 9, 10, 12, and 13 are from this time. The second phase was 5th to 6th century CE, under the Vakatakas. These are Mahayana caves. They have Buddha statues and rich viharas. Ajanta is world-famous for its paintings. The murals use natural colors on lime plaster. They show Jataka tales, Buddha’s life, and royal courts. Caves 1, 2, 16, and 17 have the best art. Cave 26 has a 7-meter reclining Buddha. The site was lost after 650 CE. In 1819, a British officer named John Smith found it again while hunting. Ajanta is the peak of ancient Indian art. Its style spread to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Top Highlights
- Rediscovered in 1819
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- World’s Best Murals
- natural colors that survived 1500+ years.
- All caves are Buddhist monasteries
