Satavahana / Vakataka Rock-cut Architecture: Ajanta Caves

What is Location of Ajanta Caves?

Ajanta is located about a hundred kilometers from Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, in a horse shoe shaped gorge of the Waghora River.

What are the two phases of development of Ajanta caves?

The monument of Ajanta has 31 caves, which were excavated in two phases viz. Satavahana Phase also known as Hinayana phase (Uniconic) and the Vakata Phase or Mahayana phase (Iconic).

What are main features of Satavahanas Phase?

The first group of caves which were great shrines and monasteries was carved out in the second century BC, under the patronage of Satavahana Kings. This phase is often called the Hinayāna phase, as Buddha was revered symbolically. Thus, the first Satavahana period caves lacked figurative sculpture, emphasizing the stupa instead.

What are main features of Vakataka Phase?

The second group of caves was created in 5th and 6th century AD during Gupta and Post Gupta periods under the rule of the Vakatakas, with a renewed activity that was richer and more ample. It is called Mahayana Phase because Buddha has been depicted as a human. The caves of the second period the overwhelming majority of images represent the Buddha alone, or narrative scenes of his lives. The Buddha was represented in Human and these representations are found both on the facades and in the interior. Mahayana Buddhism also believes in Bodhisattvas, beings who are on their way to enlightenment and who would help all of humanity to attain salvation. So later phase also has images of Bodhisattvas.

What is the main theme of Ajanta Caves of later phase?

The paintings of the 5th and 6th centuries at Ajanta mainly depict the Jataka tales. These are the stories of the Buddha in his previous lives, when he was still on the path to enlightenment. These stories depict the qualities of a virtuous life and are told to serve as examples for the followers of the Buddha. On the ceilings of the caves is the depiction of the teeming life of the world, its flowers and fruit, the animals of the world and mythical creatures.

Which is the most famous cave of Ajanta?

Cave 1 is most famous cave. This cave houses the seated Buddha in Dharmachakrapravartana mudra as a notable sculpture while the notable paintings include Padmapani and Vajrapani Bodhisattavas. Padmapani, the bearer of the Lotus  is one of the masterpieces of Indian art. Vajrapani, the bearer of the Thunderbolt is a glorious figure that portrays the majesty of the spirit.

Which Ajanta Cave is famous for Yaksha and Yakshini figures?

Cave 2 at Ajanta has sculpture of Yaksha figures (Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi) to the left and Hariti and her consort Pancika to the right.

Which cave is largest and most interesting Vihara of Ajanta?

Cave 16 is the largest and certainly the finest and most interesting monastery (Vihara) of Ajanta from the perspective of art and architecture. Its colossal hall, ornate doors and windows, beautifully painted galleries, sculptures, ornamented pillars, cistern was the gift of Varahadeva a minister of Vakataka King Harisena (475-500 A.D.). A central hall is surrounded by 14 cells on three sides, and sanctum housing Buddha image is shown seated in

pralambapadasana. The sanctum of this cave is devoid of doorway and antarala. Originally the entire cave was beautifully painted but now very little of the painting now remain. Several interesting scenes from the life of Buddha.

Which is the famous Chaitya of Ajanta?

The Cave 19 of Ajanta is a Chaitya. It is in excellent state of preservation and is considered as one of the most perfect specimens of the Buddhist art in India, datable to 5th century A.D. Total 17 pillars and at the centre of the Chaitya stands a globular stupa. This cave has only one entrance door. A sculptural form of Buddha offering begging bowl to his son Rahula and sculpture representing a Nagaraja and his wife, and the opposite site of this image, a porch which probably was place of rest for pilgrims.

Which cave depicts the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha?

The Cave 26 depicts Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall and the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance adorns the same wall. One of the most prominent and outstanding figures are of humanized serpents, a Nagaraja and Nagini with an attendant figure as finest sculptures in human forms.  The Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, when he finally achieves release from the mortal world, is a profoundly moving scene.

How Ajanta has central position in art of Asia?

The paintings of Ajanta are known to be the fountainhead of all the classic paintings of Asia.  There has been an unbroken tradition of painting in India, which began at Ajanta 2,200 years ago. The legacy of Ajanta moved along the trade routes to inspire painters in Afghanistan, Central Asia and China and from there to Korea and Japan. The paintings of Ajanta are one of the most valuable treasures of the art of the world as they enshrine a sublime and compassionate view of life.