What are the Ajanta cave paintings?
The Ajanta cave paintings were done using a technique called Tempera. Most of the paintings tell stories of the Jataka tales involving the stages of becoming a Buddha and the life of Buddha. Here are five pictures of Ajanta Cave paintings for you to admire before you plan your trip: 1.
What is the influence of Ajanta on Indian art?
Some influences from Ajanta have also suggested in the Kizil Caves of the Tarim Basin, in particular in early caves such as the Peacock Cave. The rediscovery of ancient Indian paintings at Ajanta provided Indian artists with examples from ancient India to follow.
When was the Mahayana painting of Ajanta?
W. Spink (Spink, 2009) claims it was painted in a single year, 471 AD, when the Mahayāna tradition held a powerful influence in the caves of Ajanta.
What is the scene painted in this mural at Ajanta?
That is the scene painted in this mural. The paintings at Ajanta are based on texts datable to the 2 nd century ACE; therefore, earlier Mahayānist trends can be observed in the murals of Ajanta. Historical, archaeological and aesthetic aspects are important in research, but as guiding factors.
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What is Ajanta Ellora painting?
The Ajanta – Ellora caves have evolved during the period 2nd century BC to 6th Century AD. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983 and are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art that have had a great influence in the development of art in India.
What is Ajanta mural painting?
The murals of Ajanta are now recognised as some of the greatest art produced by humankind in any century, as well as the finest picture gallery to survive from any ancient civilisation. Even today, the colours glow with a brilliant intensity: topaz-dark, lizard green, lotus-blue.
Where are Ajanta paintings?
Ajanta Caves, Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, located near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra state, western India, that are celebrated for their wall paintings.
Who made Ajanta paintings?
The caves were developed in the period between 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. The Ajanta caves were inscribed by the Buddhist monks, under the patronage of the Vakataka kings – Harishena being a prominent one.
What is the theme of Ajanta paintings?
What is the main theme of Ajanta Caves of later phase? The paintings of the 5th and 6th centuries at Ajanta mainly depict the Jataka tales. These are the stories of the Buddha in his previous lives, when he was still on the path to enlightenment.
What is Ajanta known for?
Ajanta Caves exemplifies one of the greatest achievements in ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. The artistic traditions at Ajanta present an important and rare specimen of art, architecture, painting, and socio-cultural, religious and political history of contemporary society in India.
Why are Ajanta paintings are important?
These paintings beautifully depict various events in the life of Lord Buddha. All the caves are divided into two categories namely the Chaityas or the shrines and the Viharas or the monasteries. Chaityas were used to worship Lord Buddha while the Viharas were used by the Buddhist monks for their meditation.
What are the main features of Ajanta paintings?
What are the main features of Ajanta paintings?These were built by the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Most of these were Buddhist monasteries, though paintings adorned some of them. ... These paintings contained the stories from jatakas and the life of Buddha.More items...
Why is Ajanta cave famous?
While the main purpose of the caves was to celebrate the glory of Gautama Buddha's life and achievements, they also provide an important insight into the Buddhist life and belief system and the reflection of its values in art. In many ways, the Ajanta caves were a watershed in subcontinental architecture.
Who discovered Ajanta?
On 28 April 1819, John Smith, the Madras Presidency officer, accidentally discovered the entrance to Cave No. 10 deep within the tangled undergrowth while hunting a tiger, which led to the discovery of the showpiece Ajanta caves.
Who built Ajanta Ellora?
It was built by the Rashtrkuta king, Krishna I. Situated in the south of the precinct, these caves are estimated to have been built during 600 to 730 CE.
Which is the oldest cave of Ajanta?
The earliest caves (Cave 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15A), belonging to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, can be roughly traced back to the 2nd century BCE, with its period of activity continuing to around the 1st century CE during the rule of Satavahana Dynasty (2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE).
What are the main features of Ajanta painting?
What are the main features of Ajanta paintings?These were built by the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Most of these were Buddhist monasteries, though paintings adorned some of them. ... These paintings contained the stories from jatakas and the life of Buddha.More items...
Why are the mural paintings of Ajanta renowned?
The rock complex of Ajanta is renowned for its splendid mural paintings that are unique for their entirety and state of preservation within the panorama of ancient pre-Islamic Indian art. It comprises twenty-nine Buddhist caves cut into the steep curved rock face flanking the gorge formed by the Waghora River.
Why was the painting of Ajanta so important?
These paintings beautifully depict various events in the life of Lord Buddha. All the caves are divided into two categories namely the Chaityas or the shrines and the Viharas or the monasteries. Chaityas were used to worship Lord Buddha while the Viharas were used by the Buddhist monks for their meditation.
What are the characteristics of Ajanta paintings?
Paintings and rock figures in the cave recognized to be prize work of art of Buddhism. The most splendid work in Ajanta is paintings which completely cover the walls and vaults. The theme of the paintings had an educational function, presenting to the community the teachings of Buddha and his various reincarnations.
What are the main colors used in Ajanta?
The main colours used were red ochre, yellow ochre, brown ochre, lamp black, white and lapis lazuli which was imported from Northern India, central Asia and Persia. The green was made by mixing this lapis lazuli with Indian yellow ochre. In the pictorial cycles, all the characters are bright and multi-coloured but are never repeated, a fundamental concept in Indian art. Ceilings, walls and pilasters are all covered with overlapping figures, brought to life by the artists with strong and contrasting colours. The painting techniques at Ajanta are similar to European fresco technique. The primary difference is that the layer of plaster was dry when it was painted. First, a rough plaster of clay, cow dung, and rice husks were pressed on to the rough cave walls. This was then coated with lime juice in order to create a smooth working surface.
Where are the Ajanta caves?
The Ajanta cave paintings – a brief note. Hidden away in the hills of Northwest India, some 200 miles from the busy streets of Mumbai, emerge a magnificent jewel of art and religion: the Ajanta Caves. There are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE.
What is the difference between Ajanta and Fresco?
The painting techniques at Ajanta are similar to European fresco technique. The primary difference is that the layer of plaster was dry when it was painted. First, a rough plaster of clay, cow dung, and rice husks were pressed on to the rough cave walls.
What are some examples of Indian art?
The Ajanta cave paintings and rock cut sculptures are described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive painting that present emotion through gesture, pose and form. According to UNESCO, these are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art that influenced Indian art that followed.
What is Avalokitesvara's hair color?
Originally, a masculine form, Avalokitesvara is also known as the feminine Guanyin in China, and Kuan Yin in Japan. In the painting, his tan body, darkened only by the locks of curly hair, is delicate and elegant. He is adorned with pearls, amythyst, and other attributes of traditional Indian jewelry.
What is the crown on the head of the Indian king?
He is adorned with pearls, amythyst, and other attributes of traditional Indian jewelry. On his head sits a magnificent crown, which at some point was most likely colored in extreme detail, but over time has faded. His eyes are lowered in a meditative state. His calm, spiritual face sets the tone and mood of the room.
Where is the painting of Avalokitesvara?
Alavokitesvara. This painting can be found to the left on the main shrine. It depicts one of the most beloved bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara. The term “bodhisattva” refers to a person that has been awakened by the Buddhist spirit.
How long have the paintings in Ajanta Caves been around?
These manually excavated caves have survived over 2,000 years now, and the paintings, murals and sculptures can still take you back in wonder.
What is the technique used to paint Ajanta cave paintings?
The Ajanta cave paintings were done using a technique called Tempera. Most of the paintings tell stories of the Jataka tales involving the stages of becoming a Buddha and the life of Buddha. Here are five pictures of Ajanta Cave paintings for you to admire before you plan your trip: 1. Bodhisattva Padmapani.
Why are the paintings in the Ajanta caves decaying?
Being one of the top tourist spots of Maharashtra, the Ajanta cave paintings and the caves themselves have seen some decay over the years because of tourist invasion and some maintenance problems. However, the paintings from ancient times, made using different materials like cow dung and clay, painted in different colours like brown, yellow, ...
How long have the Ajanta caves been excavated?
These manually excavated caves have survived over 2,000 years now, and the paintings, murals and sculptures can still take you back in wonder. A haven for history buffs, photographers, architecture students, and tourists in general, the Ajanta caves are a perfect destination for one to understand and indulge in Indian art and culture.
What is the painting of King Janaka?
King Janaka with his Wife ( Source) 3. The Painting of Persian Ambassador. A ceiling painting in cave number 1 of Ajanta caves, this one doesn’t talk about any particular religious story but is a general decorative motif that explains the importance of Persian culture in ancient India.
Where are the Ajanta caves?
The Ajanta caves, a Buddhist cave complex in the state of Maharashtra, India, are a sequence of 29 caves dating back to 2nd century B.C.E. till 650 C.E. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ajanta is a horseshoe-shaped cave around the Waghur river. Built with only hammer and chisel, the Ajanta caves are known for its stunning murals, ...
What is the name of the painting that Buddha carved?
1. Bodhisattva Padmapani. A painting in cave number 1 of Ajanta caves, this is Buddha’s former existence portrayed as a painting. Cave number 1 of Ajanta caves is known for some of the most elaborate carvings and sculptures from the life of Gautam Buddha. Bodhisattva Padmapanu ( Source) 2. King Janaka & Wife.
Why did the Ajanta paintings look alive?
The painters were free to paint as they liked . This is one of the reasons why the Ajanta paintings look alive, attractive and appealing. Some monks would supervise the job and pay the chief of the guild; the chief would distribute the money among the painters.
Who supervised the painting of the Ajanta caves?
Theravādin monks not only supervised the painting of the Ajanta caves but also contributed financially towards it. We, therefore notice that the paintings and sculptures in the caves at Ajanta, Pitalakhore, Bhājā, Beds and Karle are similar.
What are the murals in caves based on?
These Above, we saw that six murals in five different caves are based on texts in Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit ( Mahāvastu Avadāna and Divyāvadāna) and in pure Sanskrit ( Jatakamālā and Aśvaghośha’s works).
What is the mural of Purna?
It is one of the popular Avadāna s of the Divyāvadāna. The mural depicts various events from the life of Purna, a devotee of the Buddha. He had made six sea voyages; hence, the artists delineated seafaring scenes very vividly. It includes a sea storm, sea monsters, huge fish, sinking boats, Nagas and spirits.
How many paintings are there in Sanskrit caves?
Paintings based on texts written in Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit and pure Sanskrit can be observed in cave numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 16, 17, 19 and 26. There are 18 such paintings; these are listed below, along with their sources.
When were the Ajanta caves built?
The Ajanta caves were established between the second century BCE and about the eighth century ACE; so, the books of the Mahayana or the Vajrayana traditions, which were written later, are not relevant to our study.
When was the mural of heretics painted?
This is the only mural of heretics found anywhere. What could have been the motive for painting a group of heretics? W. Spink (Spink, 2009) claims it was painted in a single year, 471 AD, when the Mahayāna tradition held a powerful influence in the caves of Ajanta.
What are the Ajanta Paintings?
These paintings are often called Frescos. Technically speaking they are not Frescos as Frescos are paintings that are done when the surface is still wet. Ajanta paintings were made on a dry surface using a technique known as Tempera. Depending upon the surface a base of Mud or Husk was put which was then covered with lime, on which these paintings were then painted.
Where are the paintings of Ajanta?
Ajanta Paintings draw a lot of tourists to Ajanta, Maharashtra. Anyone who has visited Ajanta Caves and seen mural paintings there can but be in the awe of these caves. The caves are not only an engineering marvel as they are all manually excavated caves and not natural caves. These paintings have survived 2000 years.
How were Ajanta paintings made?
Ajanta paintings were made on a dry surface using a technique known as Tempera. Depending upon the surface a base of Mud or Husk was put which was then covered with lime, on which these paintings were then painted.
Where is the Jataka Tales painting?
Jataka Tales paintings at cave no. 1. On the left side of the Cave No 1 , you can see the Mahajanaka Jataka painted which is the story of Mahajanaka. The king of Mithila who was born in exile grows up as a common man and comes to know of his royalty. He travels to Swarnabhoomi or Sri Lanka and marries beautiful Shivali.
What does a lotus' finger look like?
Fingers are long and tapering – making them look very delicate, especially as they hold the lotus.
Who are the two Bodhisattvas in Cave No 1?
Flanking a door inside the Cave no 1 are two Bodhisattvas – Bodhisattva Padmapani and Bodhisattva Vajrapani. I am going to take the one on the left – the most famous face of Ajanta caves and point out its nuances to you. This would intuitively help you understand the other mural paintings on the walls.
Do stories have to be painted sequentially?
The stories are not painted sequentially but they are painted spatially i.e. the scenes that happen in one place are painted together. To understand the story it is important that you know the story otherwise it is very difficult to figure out the sequence. Now, of course, the stories are well documented.
Where is Ajanta located?
Ajanta is 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Ellora Caves , which contain Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves, the last dating from a period similar to Ajanta. The Ajanta style is also found in the Ellora Caves and other sites such as the Elephanta Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Shivleni Caves and the cave temples of Karnataka.
Why were the Ajanta caves built?
The Ajanta Caves were built in a period when both the Buddha and the Hindu gods were simultaneously revered in Indian culture. According to Spink and other scholars, the royal Vakataka sponsors of the Ajanta Caves probably worshipped both Hindu and Buddhist gods. This is evidenced by inscriptions in which these rulers, who are otherwise known as Hindu devotees, made Buddhist dedications to the caves. According to Spink,
How far is Ajanta from Fardapur?
It is about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from Fardapur, 59 kilometres (37 miles) from the city of Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India, 104 kilometres (65 miles) from the city of Aurangabad, and 350 kilometres (220 miles) east-northeast of Mumbai. Ajanta is 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Ellora Caves, which contain Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves, ...
Where are the caves in India?
The Buddhist Caves in Ajanta are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state in India. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form.
Where are the Ajanta caves located?
The Ajanta Caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, is...
What is Ajanta HC?
Ajanta HC offers a place for cultural exchange and interaction for ancient artworks, paintings, and photography. With visitors from across the globe, we are bringing Indian culture to the masses crossing boundaries and cultures.
What is Ajantahc mission?
Ajantahc’s mission is to promote, exhibit and offer the beauty of Indian Culture, Art and Heritage to the World. We are offering our users an opportunity to own a piece of ancient Indian culture and heritage, in the form of some of the greatest paintings ever created by Indian artists over thousands of years ago.
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