Sunday, July 14, 2013

Cave No. 9, Ajanta

Cave No. 9 at Ajanta is a very grand chaityagriha  datable to of 2nd century B.C. belonging to Hinayana cult of Buddhism. The chaityagriha consists of arched facade and a doorway giving appearance of a double storyed building. 



The exquisitely decorated facade and beautiful painted interior, form a grand combination of richness of detail and graceful proposition.  There are  sculptures of the Buddha on the  side walls facing the facade.




Inside the chaitya is in rectangular layout with twenty-three pillars apsidal dividing it into a nave, an apse and aisles. The ceiling of the nave is vaulted while ceiling of aisles is flat. At the center of the apse stands a globular stupa on high cylindrical base.




The painting in this cave consist, principally figures of Buddha variously engaged, disciples, worshipers of a stupa etc. On the external facade there are traces of painting still visible in the ceiling. Above the main door a row of five small false arches is carved having imitation of wooden lattice.



Some of the paintings are in two layers; earlier dating back to the second half of 1st century B. C. and the later in the 5th –6th century A.D. This can be seen in the above image.

33 comments:

Amazing wonders in my life said...

Beautiful... and i also loved your neighbour pics...

Maude Lynn said...

Incredible!

Al said...

What an amazing series of things to see in a cave. Nice photos.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Wow! I amazed how well this is all preserved! Such a beautiful insight into worlds of yesteryear!

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Superb! Loved them.

Krishna/കൃഷ്ണ said...

beautifully captured photos...

thanks

Jim said...

Impressive.

Manav Singhi said...

Nice Post. .

eileeninmd said...

Interesting caves and paintings. Great photos, Rajesh!

Anonymous said...

Wow..these look amazing and full of history!

The Mukhtiars said...

Nice clicks

Meghana Hassan said...

Am yet to plan a trip to Ajantha and Ellora... Beautiful clicks...

MaiThreeBoyz said...

Very interesting. The structure looks very solid despite its age. Thanks for sharing with us how beautiful India is.

R Niranjan Das said...

Wow! Nice post!

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

Carver said...

The artistry on the outside of the cave is wonderful.

Sylvia K said...

Another incredible place, Rajesh! Your country does have the most amazing and fascinating history! Thanks as always for sharing!!

Reader Wil said...

So ancient and yet so very beautiful! Thank you for telling something about the building!

Anonymous said...

What beautiful detail!

Magia da Inês said...

⊱✿✿°

·.¸.•♪♪
Fabuloso!...
Lindo, muita arte!!!

Boa semana·..¸彡
♪♫° Beijinhos·..°♡♡
°❤❤ Brasil✿✿·..

magiceye said...

Beautiful work!!

Indrani said...

Great place, you got wonderful shots!

Lina Gustina said...

Came from RT.
Amazing historical place to visit!

http://www.womenandperspectives.com/2013/07/red-bridge.html

Ercotravels said...

Wow, archaeological wonder!!

Jeevan said...

Marvelous photos and describe on detail!

RNSANE said...

As always, your "tour" is outstanding, with its travelogue and photos. I am envious. I have walking limitations so much of this type of things is too difficult for me.

My post is at:

http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2013/07/our-world-tuesday-week-99-scenes-from.html

photowannabe said...

It is Amazing to see what can be built so many thousands of years ago.
Fascinating.

Unknown said...

Amazing how it has withstood all these years!

George said...

This looks like a fascinating place to visit.

Roger Owen Green said...

Too bad the ART is fading...

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Lowell said...

Another incredible structure preserved down through the years...the paintings I particularly like.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the craftsmanship and painting.

Suzanne said...

Thanks for the detailed description, just beautiful.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

Ajanta seems like a fascinating place to visit. Happy ABC Wednesday! #76