| |
Travel to the 'Ajanta' and 'Ellora' cave shrines which is an example of beauty personified. These carvings were done by artistic people, and this specimen has been ranked amongst some of the most outstanding ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, were not known for over a millennium. It was 'John Smith', a British Army Officer who accidentally stumbled upon them on an hunting expedition in 1819. 'Ajanta' has been declared as a 'World Heritage Site' which is to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will inspire and enrich the lives of the upcoming generations. Ajanta Caves It was only in the 19th century that the Ajanta group of caves lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side above the Waghora river and was discovered. It tells us the story of 'Buddhism' and the period ranging from 200 BC to 650 AD. Caves were built in order to protect the 'Buddhist monks' who performed rituals and taught in the "Chaityas" and "Viharas" which were the ancient learning and nerve centers during the Buddhist cultural movement. With the help of tools such as hammers and chisels , these monks carved out these stunning magnificent figures on the walls of these structures. These caves depict the stories from the 'Jatakas' giving us a picture of the several incarnations of the Buddha, images of the nymphs and princesses which are elaborately portrayed. Ellora Caves These 'Ellora' caves are 34 in number and are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill at a distance of 30 kms from Aurangabad. These caves are the finest specimens of temple architecture. They consist of elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These represent the three relegions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These caves were carved during 350 AD to 700 AD. The 12 caves to the south signifies "Buddhism" , the 17 in the centre are dedicated to "Hinduism", and the rest 5 caves to the north signifies "Jainism". These Buddhist caves are a significance of nobility, grace and serenity. These qualities were inherent in the Lord Buddha. The 6th and the 10th cave house images depicts 'Buddhism' and 'Hinduism'. Under the same roof lies the latter dedicated to 'Vishwakarma' who was the patron saint of the Indian craftsmen. The 'Vishvakarma' consists of both the 'Chaityas' and the 'Viharas', with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. It's two storied structure reveals a colourful pageant of dwarfs singing &dancing. |
Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, were remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will come to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.
|
|
 |
Ajanta Caves
It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning a period from 200 BC to 650 AD.
The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately portrayed.
|
|
| |
|
Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
|
|
|
 |
The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two - storied structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music. |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
