Report on ajanta caves

1. DAYANAND COLLEGE ,AJMER
Title: An Intricate Blend of Art, Religion , and Architecture
Name : Mitali Verma
Course : M.A. (FINAL)
Instructor : Dr. Ritu Shilpi Saxena
Date of Submission :
Purpose :
This report is submitted as a part of M.A. (Final) at Dayanand College ,
Ajmer to provide an overview of the history, architecture, and art of
the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India.
The report aims to examine the cultural significance of the caves, their
unique features, and the impact they have had on the study of ancient
Indian art and architecture. It will also explore the tourism potential of the
site and its importance for the preservation of cultural heritage.

2. Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. History of the Ajanta Caves
3. Architecture of the Ajanta Caves
 First Period Caves (Satavahana)
 Second Period Caves (Vakataka)
4. Paintings of the Ajanta Caves
 Alavokitesvara
 Ceiling Painting
5. Painting Techniques
6. Painting Theme
7. Integrity
8. Authenticity
9. Tourism Potential of the Ajanta Caves
10. Conclusion

3. 1. Introduction:
The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut caves located in Maharashtra,
India. They were built over a period of approximately 800 years, from the
2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, and are famous for their
stunning Buddhist art and architecture. The caves were abandoned in
the 7th century CE and were rediscovered in the 19th century. Since
then, they have been a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history,
architecture, and art of the Ajanta Caves. It will explore the cultural
significance of the caves and their impact on the study of ancient Indian
art and architecture. The report will also analyze the tourism potential of
the site and its importance for the preservation of cultural heritage.
In the following sections, we will discuss the history, architecture, and art
of the Ajanta Caves in detail, highlighting their unique features and
cultural significance. We will also examine the tourism potential of the
site and suggest ways to promote it as a major tourist destination in
India. Finally, we will conclude the report by summarizing our findings
and discussing the implications of our research.

4. 2.History of Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are a Buddhist monastery complex consisting of 29
caves (as officially numbered by the Archaeological Survey of India),
located in a wooded and rugged horseshoe-shaped ravine about 3.5 km
from the village of Ajintha, which is situated in the Aurangabad district of
Maharashtra State in India (106 kilometers away from the city of
Aurangabad). Along the bottom of the ravine runs the Waghur River, a
mountain stream. The caves, carved into the south side of the
precipitous scarp made by the cutting of the ravine, vary from 35 to 110
feet in elevation above the bed of the stream. The monastic complex of
Ajanta consists of several viharas (monastic halls of residence) and
chaitya- grihas (stupa monument halls), adorned with architectural
details, sculptures and paintings that, even in their partially damaged
state, are considered one of the glories of world art. Excavation of the
caves began in the third-second century B.C.E., during the period when
Dakshinapath was ruled by Satavahana dynasty, and activity at the
complex continued until the fifth to the sixth century C.E., when the
region was ruled by Vakatakas.

5. 3.Architecture of the Ajanta Caves
The caves are the best expression of human ideas and hard work. In
Ajanta we have a string of 29 caves. Studies have proved that they were
built as private hideaways of the Buddhist monks. They might have
stayed there for various purposes like meditation, yoga or even safety.
These caves were made at a period when they had only hammer and
chisel as instruments of work. It shows how much determination and
hard work they would have put behind it. The walls covered with artistic
work speak of rich Indian culture and traditions.
The first cave is of great importance. It has some of the most famous as
well as beautiful wall paintings. Some of them are Boddhisattvas,
Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. Wall paintings can also be found in
caves 2, 16 and 17.
The history of the caves is rather interesting. The caves have been
built in a set of two phases centuries from each other. The first set
belongs to the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, whereas, the
second set of the caves were built in the 5th century.
First Period Caves (Satavahana) – Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 & 15A
Caves no. 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A were the earliest constructed caves.
Most scholars and researchers agree that the caves show a heavy
influence of the Hinayana or Theravada group of Buddhism. There is

6. a debate regarding the precise time of construction. A group of
researchers including Walter Spink estimate the period of
construction to around 100 BCE to 100 CE. This group believes that
the caves were built under the patronage of the Satavahana Dynasty.
Other studies, however, date the period of construction during the
reign of the Mauryan Empire.
The main distinguishing feature of the caves of the earlier period is
their emphasis on the stupa structure rather than sculptures. Both
caves 9 and 10 are stupa based with the worship hall and caves 12,
13 and 15A are based on the vihara (where monks reside) style of
construction.
Second Period Caves (Vakataka) - Caves 1-8, 11, 14-29
Also known as the caves from the Vakataka period there is some
discrepancy over the exact time of construction. For many years it
was thought that the caves were built between the 4th and 7th
centuries; however, studies by Walter Spink suggest that the period of
construction was, in fact, concise and lasted from 460 to 480 CE. His
views and studies have been broadly accepted today.
Emperor Harishena from the Vakataka dynasty is believed to be the
chief patron of the second period of caves. Caves that fall under this
period are no. 1-8, 11, 14-29. These set of caves fall under the
Mahayana phase of Buddhism and hence are home to stunning
sculptures and paintings. The paintings and sculptures became a
source of worship. This phase also started accepting women as nuns,
and unlike the Hinayana school which denied pleasure, the Mahayana
form was open to the desires between a man and woman. The
paintings, sculptures and artworks reflect these influences.

7. 4.Paintings of the Ajanta Caves
The paintings of the Ajanta Caves were a fascinating part of the
caves. Some paintings date to the Satvahana period and some also
to the Gupta period and later. The frescos in the Ajanta Caves are
painted with elaborate distinguishing features.
A classic example is, paintings from the Jataka Tales in Cave 1.
Besides, the ceiling paintings are splendidly done too. A particular
panel of a ceiling painting depicting an elephant running surrounded
by flowers was chosen as the logo of India’s Department of Tourism.
Alavokitesvara
This painting can be found to the left on the main shrine. It depicts one
of the most beloved bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara. The term
"bodhisattva" refers to a person that has been awakened by the
Buddhist spirit. According to Mahayana doctrine, Alavokitesvara
postponed his ascension into Buddhahood until he assisted every being
in achieving Nirvana. Avalokitesvara takes the largest numbers of forms
across Asia. Originally, a masculine form, Avalokitesvara is also known
as the feminine Guanyin in China, and Kuan Yin in Japan.

9. Ceiling painting
If you look up from the beautiful wall paintings you see the geometric
designs and motifs that adorn the ceiling. There are also images of
peacocks, subtly decorated in blue paint made from lapis lazuli. One of
the panels shows a decorative vegetable motif that looks similar to our
modern day green bell pepper. In addition to this, there is a creature with
a bull's head whose body transforms into swirling curvaceous lines that
blend into the floral decoration of the next panel.

10. The ceiling paintings are so beautiful that one of the panels, which
depicts a running elephant surrounded by flowers, was chosen as the
official logo of India's Department of Tourism. The elephant is shown
playfully galloping, as his trunk swirls close to his body.

11. 5 .Painting techniques
The painting techniques at Ajanta are similar to European fresco
technique. The primary difference is that the layer of plaster was dry
when it was painted. First, a rough plaster of clay, cow dung, and rice
husks were pressed on to the rough cave walls. This was then coated
with lime paste in order to create a smooth working surface. The dark
outlines of the figures were then added followed by a pallete of only 6
colors. The pigments the artists used came from natural resources: red
and yellow ocher, crushed green malachite, blue lapis lazuli, etc.
In 1983, UNESCO World Heritage Centere selected the Ajanta Caves to
be a part of their preservation endeavors. Today, the caves at Ajanta
remain one of the most visited architectural sites in India. They are a
living representation of one of the grandest artistic styles in Indian art
and history.

12. 6.Painting Theme
The paintings in the Ajanta Caves were based on Buddhist themes,
particularly depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and other
Buddhist deities. The paintings also portray various aspects of Buddhist
philosophy and mythology, such as the Jataka tales which recount the
past lives of the Buddha, as well as stories of other Buddhist saints and
legendary figures. The paintings were created by skilled artists who used
natural pigments and dyes made from minerals, plants, and insects to
create intricate and colorful designs on the cave walls. The paintings
also feature elaborate ornamentation, including intricate patterns and
designs, floral motifs, and geometric shapes. The overall effect of the
paintings is one of incredible beauty and spiritual depth, making them an
important part of India's rich cultural heritage.
7.Integrity
Ajanta Caves includes all the elements necessary to express its
Outstanding Universal Value, including the ensemble of these caves in
its natural setting, sculptures, paintings, and epigraphs. It is of adequate
size to ensure the complete representation of the features and
processes that convey the intense art and architectural activity that
continued for 800 years, reflecting Buddhist philosophy. It does not
suffer from adverse effects of development and/or neglect. Interventions
undertaken over the years were intended to strengthen the structure of
the caves. Identified potential threats to the integrity of the property
include visitor pressure in the painted caves, overall management of the
protected site, structural stability of the caves including loose boulders,
and capacity of the staff at the property.

13. 8.Authenticity
The authenticity of Ajanta Caves is expressed through the architectural
forms of chaityagrihas and viharas as well as the schemes used in
decorating these spaces, such as sculptures and painted panels
depicting various Buddhist traditions. Its location and setting, as well as
its materials and substance, are likewise authentically associated with
the history of Buddhism and with two important eras in the history of
India.

14. 9.Tourism Potential of the Ajanta Caves
A senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has
expressed the need to control tourist footfall at the world famous Ajanta
caves in Maharashtra to preserve its paintings for a longer time. The
popular UNESCO world heritage site, comprising 30 rock-cut Buddhist
cave monuments, is located about 100 km from the Aurangabad district
headquarters.
The caves have paintings depicting the life of Gautam Buddha. Every
week, thousands of tourists visit the monument. “The presence of a
large number of tourists increases humidity inside the caves, causing a
negative impact on the paintings there,”
Some of the paintings have got damaged over a period of time due to
this and other reasons, he said. “Hence, to save the paintings for a
longer period of time, the way out is to restrict the footfall and allow
fewer people inside the caves,” Chauley said. He also said they can
send only 40 tourists inside the caves at a time for a period of 10
minutes. In such a short span, the visitors cannot even see the paintings
properly as they need time to get acclimatised to the darkness inside the
caves, he added.
There is an interpretation centre constructed by the state government
outside the cave complex.”Earlier, we (ASI) had demanded to hand it
over to us so that we can display the replicas of these paintings there
and the footfall can be controlled. But the state government has not
taken any action so far,” the official said.

15. 10.CONCLUSION :
The Ajanta Caves were abandoned and largely forgotten after the
decline of Buddhism in India in the 7th century CE. They were
rediscovered in the early 19th century by a group of British officers who
were hunting for tigers in the area. The caves were subsequently studied
and documented by archaeologists and art historians, and they have
since become a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The Ajanta Caves are significant not only for their art and architecture
but also for their historical and cultural value. They provide a glimpse
into the life and beliefs of ancient Indian society, particularly the role of
Buddhism in shaping Indian culture and art.
In conclusion, the Ajanta Caves are a remarkable testament to India's
rich cultural and artistic heritage, and they continue to inspire and
fascinate visitors from around the world.