Thursday, June 12, 2014

Cave No. 10, Ajanta

Cave No. 10 at Ajanta is also a chaityagriha similar to  Cave No. 9. It has a similar shape but larger in size. This is a large chaityagriha and inscription on its facade dated to the 2nd century B.C.




This was the the first cave discovered in Ajanta in April 1819. John Smith, a British Army Officer noticed the arch of this cave and this led to the discovery of other caves here.




It is apsidal on plan and consists of a large central hall, nave flanked by two aisles 
separated by a row of 39 octagonal pillars. The paintings on the pillar contain Buddha figure. 
At the apsidal end is a rock stupa. 


The cave consists of two periods of paintings, the earlier dated to 2nd century B.C and the later 4th – 6th century A.D.


The whole of this cave has been painted but only few painting were retained, which they were at one time completely adorned. There are paintings of Budha poses in the ceiling.

28 comments:

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
That there is still so much colour to be seen here is amazing. Delightful post! YAM xx

The Mukhtiars said...

Lovely

Thomas Lee/Lee Lip Pang said...

Beautiful cave temple.

Lowell said...

I like the paintings. People in India were very busy in the early centuries of the Common Era.

Reader Wil said...

The paintings are very new to me, as most of the buildings are adorned with sculptures of stone. The paintings are very beautiful too.Thanks.
Wil , ABCW Team.

Sylvia K said...

Another beautiful, amazing place, Rajesh!! Great captures! Have a wonderful weekend!

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Amazing caves ~ so creative and intricate ~ for SWF ~

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

eileeninmd said...

Interesting scenes from the cave.. The carvings and photos are wonderful..

sunshine said...

A wonderful cave with fascinating stone masonry and paintings.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

do the caves preserve the craving?

Photo Cache said...

the paintings are so precious.

Anonymous said...

Stunning shots of the stonework!

VaishVijay said...

Enchanting! Whenever I come across, Ajantha, am reminded of the Pallavas & the Cholas of the South :)

Gattina said...

Very interesting !

Birgitta said...

Wow! Excellent details!

Leovi said...

Very nice paintings, delicious photos!

Anonymous said...

amazing!

Unknown said...

Great photos, Rajesh! The caves are beautiful!

Kathe W. said...

gorgeous and fascinating! Thanks!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I'm imagining the coolness of the caves...

Six Words and Shadows

Gemma Wiseman said...

Amazing transformation of a cave. Love the paint colours - dusky and enigmatic.

Jeevan said...

Excellent captures, containing marvelous details! The paintings are impressive... nice knowing on its discovery

Ela said...

Wow ! Gorgeous place !

Chubby Chieque said...

Really a WOW! thing Rajesh.

I don't have words more to utter.

Just adore it.
/CC

R Niranjan Das said...

Lovely art work.

Kokila gupta said...

beautiful shots !

Maniparna said...

Wonderful pics...:-)

Unknown said...

Amazing photos :)