The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.). After that many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group making it a wonderful sight. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. Exploring the caves of Ajanta would transport you back to the time when Buddhism was a blooming religion in India.

The famous caves of Ajanta

Caves 1,2,16 and 17 have the best preserved paintings and required days, not hours to appreciate. The magnificent depictions of the Bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara and Padmapaniin in Cave 1 are particularly well known.

A court scene in Cave number 1, possibly the story of conversion of Nanda, a fellow prince like the Buddha, decided to join the Buddha's monastic order. His dilemma was leaving his wife Sundari and pleasures of princely life for one of austerity, sacrifice and discipline.

In Cave 2, ceiling and wall paintings illustrate events associated with the Buddha's birth.
A cameo of a woman at her toilet is universal favorite. For instance, is the scene of Buddha's birth showing his mother, Maya, standing in the place garden at Lumbini. Also in the same cave is the scene from the Mahajanaka Jataka, where the queen and her attendants tempt the shipwrecked price with all the art of this world.

In Cave Number 7, a sculptured frieze of miracle of Sravasti, when the Buddha multiplied himself a thousand times.

The paintings at Ajanta in Cave 17 depict stories from the Jatakas or tales of the previous incarnations of the Buddha. The doorway in the verandah of Cave 17, is a row of enormous couples above which is a row of seated Buddhas. The raised right hand, with the palm facing the viewer, is a symbol of abhaya, reassurance and protection.

Cave 19 at Ajanta is amongst the best surviving examples of a rock cut chaitya griha. The elegant porch is topped by the distinctive 'horseshoe' shaped window, which is flanked by yakshas or guardians, standing Buddha figures and elaborate decorative motifs.

The interior of Cave 19 is profusely carved with pillars, a monolithic carved symbolic stupa and images of Buddha which heralded the introduction of Mahayana phase. The story of Buddha life served as a perfect example of philosophy of compassion. Born as a prince, young Siddhartha renounced his wealth and position to find the meaning of life.

The Parinivana (ultimate enlightenment or liberation) came when Buddha left the world- as depicted in the 7m (23ft) image of the reclining Buddha in Cave number 26.

Ajanta provides a unique opportunity to study the early phases of Buddhist sculpture, painting and architecture, which later influenced artistic traditions in central Asia and Far east.