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When the echo of the chisel faded, the world forgot
these cave temples. Till the 19th century these caves were hidden under
thick forest growth. These caves are representation of Buddhist thoughts
which were etched on walls of these caves. These caves were built between
2nd century B.C to 7th century A.D. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have
paintings which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. The artist
has lent his creativity in each work with an overwhelming sense of
vitality. These paintings have survived time and till date the numerous
paintings glowing on the walls leave visitors spell-bounded. The contours
of these figures and positions of their hands make the atmosphere very
vibrant and alive. Ajanta caves were meant to provide seclusion to the
Buddhist monks and their hammer & chisel offered a rich tapestry of images
that speak of places, royalty, culture and tales of everyday life of
ancient India.
The artist's skill and creativity were contemplated by his keen sense of
observation. Many of the panels of the caves hold depcition of the Jatakas
and numerous images of Buddha, Nymphs and Princesses. The flying Apsara in
cave 17, the preaching Buddha in cave 16 to the sculptured Nagaraja in a
sitting posture with his consort and a female attendant are to name a few
of the popular caves. Some of these enigmatic caves are illuminated by the
natural light at a particular time of the day.
Ajanta also forms the base of a motif which was frequently used in the
paintings - even in the 19th century Rajput miniature paintings. The motif
of two lovers, a mithuna couple has been used in many of Ajanta paintings.
One can spend days exploring, discovering and learning these caves but
still the urge to see more hangs in the mind. The caves are so fascinating
that one feels like coming here again and again.
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Taj
Residency