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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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