Monday, September 17, 2012

Cave No. 2, Ajanta

This is the second cave that we come across in Ajanta on the Eastern side of horse shoe shaped structure. This cave was built sometime in the 7th century A.D. It consists of verandah, a hypostylar hall, an antechamber, sanctum with two sub shrines, chapels and a group of cells.

Lord Buddha is enshrined in the sanctum flanked by celestial nymphs and Bhodhsattavas. The massive pillars and door-frames are elaborately carved with designs and decorated with paintings.

Extensively painted, it is famous for its ceiling painting in the hall, antechamber, verandah and chapels. The paintings contain some of the finest circles drawn in contrasting colors, which still retain their brightness and luster.

Even though most of the paintings in the cave are life of Buddha. Apart from this there is also a beautiful painting of Thousand Buddhas motif, seen on the left wall and shrine antechamber walls.

In the cave there are beautifully carved pillars well supporting the painted ceiling. On the pillars beautiful flower motifs and celestial figures in the brackets.

This cave has one of the best craftsmanship and best preserved paintings at Ajanta. The paintings on the halls of the cave are illustrations of the former births of Lord Buddha known as Jataka Tales.


35 comments:

  1. Another amazing cave, such ancient artistry.

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  2. Awesome captures of the architecture and paintings.


    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

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  3. Architectural marvels of the most brilliant kind.....

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  4. Anonymous11:41

    @awesome clicks :)

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  5. These are very beautiful. Liked the paintings very much. It must have taken lot of effort

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  6. I am amazed that the colour in those paintings can still be seen today. I hope they are now being preserved so that future generations can continue to enjoy these works of art.

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  7. Beautiful carvings and paintings. This cave looks like an interesting place to visit. Great photos.

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  8. Anonymous16:08

    페리 푸켓 피피섬 it is a nice blog and this is an amazing ....

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  9. Impressive wall paintings and carved pillars! The thousand Buddha’s motif sounds great!

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  10. Hi Rajesh! It’s great to be back and enjoy your posts!!
    Lovely place!!

    Blogtrotter Two is now in Dominica. Enjoy the rain and have a great week!

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  11. The 3rd shots amazes me because I feel dizzy while looking at it. Great panning photography there. ^_^


    Kim,USA

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  12. Such beautiful art in the caves.

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  13. Truly fascinating post. Really nice to see something so old in pretty good condition.

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  14. Another great post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  15. I have so enjoyed your visits to these caves, Rajesh! The art on the walls is amazing and your captures are superb! Have a great week!

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  16. Very nice, I love how you have captured the beauty of these walls.

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  17. Anonymous12:00

    What a beautiful cave!

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  18. I hope to visit again. Lovely captures Rajesh!

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  19. JAW-dropping in beauty.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  20. Rajesh, I'm so amazed at the beauty and intricacy of the paintings and carvings. In such ancient times, even lighting would have been dim for the artists. I'm happy it's so well- preserved.

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  21. You live in a country full of surprises and architecture of the highest levels. Very beautiful! Thank you for showing us all these wonderful places.
    Wil, ABCTeam.

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  22. What an amazing place, Rajesh! One of the places on my list to visit next time I visit Inda.

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  23. These caves are so massive. I wonder at how the people were able to cut them out of the earth. Or were they there and the temples were built inside of them?

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  24. Such incredible work! Thanks so much for sharing it. I had no idea this place existed.

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  25. Anonymous14:25

    HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT TIS...BUT THE FIRST TIME U R TREATING FOR MY EYES...AMAZING WORK

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  26. How interesting and the paintings are quiet well preserved !

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  27. I love visiting your blog, I feel like I am on tour in India every time.


    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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  28. Thank you all for appreciating this ancient paintings

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  29. Wow..impressive paintings. Beautiful photos.

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  30. Anonymous00:49

    Marvelous these Caves are.. isn't it?

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  31. I felt like taking a tour in the cave. Wonderful post, so beautifully capturing the rich heritage of our country.

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  32. I've been there as an Architecture student ... its so exciting!

    www.volatilespirits.com

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  33. Beautiful cave and awesome clicks.

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