Famous Activites in India

Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are a Buddhist monastery complex of twenty nine rock cut cave monuments containing paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both "Buddhist Religious Art" and "Universal Pictorial Art". Ajanta Caves are carved out of solid rock with only a hammer and chisel, have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a marvelous sight to behold. Do not miss out on visiting the Kailasha Temple, which has a magnificent architecture and life sized elephant sculptures to amaze you. The temple holds religious importance among followers of Lord Shiva as it features his abode at the Kailash Mountain. Embark on a visit to Ajanta Caves to witness its marvelous beauty and spellbinding architecture.

The Caves were carved between 2nd Century BC and 6th Century AD. Construction of the caves was carried out in two phases; the first group of caves was built around 2nd Century BC, while the second group was built between 4th & 6th centuries. Ajanta Caves are excavated in horse-shoe shaped bend of rock surface nearly 76 m in height overlooking the Waghur River. Built using only hammer and chisel, these caves served as secluded retreats for Buddhist monks for about nine centuries, then abruptly abandoned. These caves were rediscovered by an Army Officer in Madras Regiment of British Army in 1819 during one of his hunting expeditions. Instantly the discovery became very famous and Ajanta became an important tourist destination in India. 

The complex consists of 29 rock-cut cave monuments built in two distinct periods, out of which one part of the complex was developed during the Satavahana period and the other was done during Vakataka period. Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A were built in the first phase during Satavahana dynasty and they belong to Hinayana phase of Buddhism. Of these Cave 9 & 10 are chaityagrihas and Cave 12, 13, & 15A are viharas. These caves are datable to the pre-Christian era, the earliest among them being Cave 10 dating from the 2nd century BC. The second period of construction was carried out during the rule of Emperor Harisena of the Vakataka dynasty. Close to 20 cave temples were simultaneously built which resemble the modern day monasteries with a sanctum at the rear end of the structure. Though all the caves are interesting to watch, Cave 1, 2, 16, 17, 19 and 26 are must see attractions in Ajanta. 

The caves at Ajanta are famous for beautiful mural paintings and sculptures that depict tales of Jatakas. The world famous paintings at Ajanta also fall into two broad phases. The earliest is noticed in the form of fragmentary specimens in Cave 9 & 10, which are datable to 2nd century BC. The headgear and other ornaments of the images in these paintings resemble the bas-relief sculpture of Sanchi and Bharhut. The second phase of paintings started around 5th - 6th centuries and continued for the next two centuries. The specimen of these exemplary paintings of Vakataka period could be noticed in Cave 1, 2, 16 and 17. The artwork in the caves comprises well preserved wall paintings of Bodhisattva, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. Various incidents from the life of Gautama Buddha and the Jataka Tales are represented and recreated on the walls of these caves. Scenes from the royal court of the respective eras are also painted.

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