Introduction
The Ajanta paintings date back from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. They are exquisite examples of ancient Indian mural art showcasing Buddhist themes and artistic mastery.
Key Features of Ajanta Paintings:
- The celestial figures of Kinnaras, Vidyadharas and Gandharvas are depicted in paintings and sculptures.
- Common themes: Jataka stories, life events of Buddha, Avadanas, and intricate decorative designs inspired by flora and fauna.
- Some paintings, such as Simhala Avadana, Mahajanaka Jataka and Vidhurpundita Jataka, cover the entire wall of the cave.
- Common Style: The cave walls showcase a blend of murals and fresco paintings (painting on wet plaster). These artworks employ the tempera style i.e., use of pigments for their creation.
- Colours: Vegetable and mineral dyes served as the painting medium, with red ochre for figure outlines and brown, black, or deep red for contours.
- Compositions of Paintings: The figures are heavy like the sculptures of western India.
- Emotions are conveyed through hand gestures.
- Centrality to the most significant person in each scene.
- Each female figure in the paintings features a distinctive hairstyle.
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Important Caves and their Paintings
| Cave No. 1 |
- The scenes of Mahajanaka Jataka and Umag Jataka belong to the mid-6th and 7th century AD.
- Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power) who holds a vajra in his right hand and wears a crown.
- Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom)
- Padmapani (Avalokitesvara) (symbol of Buddha’s compassion) [UPSC 2017] dated late 5th Century AD. Bodhisattva is holding a padma (lotus) in his right hand.
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| Cave No. 4 |
- Patron of Cave: Mathuradasa.
- The rear wall of the verandah displays the litany panel of Avalokiteśvara.
- The cave hosts a massive Buddha image depicted in Dharmachakra Pravartana mudra.
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| Cave No. 9 & 10 |
- Earliest surviving paintings of Shaddanta Jataka, dating to around the 1st century AD.
- The Murals of these caves belong to the Shunga period.
- Chaddanta Jataka has been painted.
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| Cave No. 16 |
- Patron of the cave: Varahadeva (patron of Cave No. 16), who was the prime minister of the Vakataka king, Harishena
- “The dying princess” painting of the early 5th century AD.
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| Cave No. 26 |
- The most prominent Buddha image is the Mahaparinibbana image.
- Mara Vijaya sculpture near Mahaparinibbana image
- It is a personification of the commotion of mind that the Buddha went through at the time of enlightenment where Mara represents desire.
- Buddha is seated in Bhumisparsha Mudra.
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Conclusion
- Ajanta paintings are revered globally for their intricate details, spiritual depth, and aesthetic beauty, standing as timeless treasures that continue to inspire and enchant admirers of art and culture around the world.
April 10, 2024
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