The Ajanta Caves : Tales of Buddhism and more

The Aurangabad district of Maharashtra is home to one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site in India- The Ajanta Caves. These are 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves monuments dating from the second century BCE to about 480 CE. The Ajanta caves are considered as one of the prime examples of the ancient Indian art and consist of both paintings and rock-cut sculptures of the Buddhist religion. 

Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in India around the 6th century BCE, is a spiritual path centered on the principles of compassion, non-attachment, and the pursuit of enlightenment. It flourished in India, leaving behind a rich cultural and architectural legacy, with sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and the Ajanta Caves. Though its influence waned in India over time, Buddhism continues to inspire millions globally and remains an integral part of India’s diverse spiritual heritage.

The accidental discovery of the caves:

These spellbinding caves were ‘discovered’ by accident. During a tiger hunt along the Waghora River, young British cavalry officer John Smith stumbled upon a hidden cave, clearly crafted by human hands. Intrigued, he climbed up with his party and entered the cave, torch in hand, revealing a grand, vaulted hall with colonnades. The faded paintings on the walls told ancient stories, while beneath a dome stood a serene Buddha in prayer, guarding a stupa—a timeless shrine that had been untouched for centuries. Interestingly, Smith etched his name onto a statue of a Bodhisattva, a figure symbolizing one of Buddha’s previous lives before attaining Nirvana, the ultimate union with the divine spirit.

The Vassa Tradition: 

The Ajanta Caves are thought to have been excavated in two key phases: the Hinayana phase (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE) and the Mahayana phase (5th century CE). These caves functioned as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks, serving as centers for worship, meditation, and artistic expression. Their construction was supported by various ruling dynasties of ancient India, including the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, and the Gupta Empire. 

Long before the Buddha’s time, it was customary in India for wanderers to settle in one place during the rainy season to avoid muddy roads and trampling plants. Early in the Buddha’s teaching career, his Bhikkhus were criticized by the Jains for not following this tradition. In response, the Buddha allowed his monks to pause their travels for three months during the rains. Eventually, he made this practice mandatory, imposing penalties for those who didn’t observe it. The period when Buddhist monks stay in one place during the rainy season is called Vassa, or Rains Retreat. So, these caves essentially served the purpose of rain-retreats as well. 

The Ajanta Caves: A Glimpse into Ancient Buddhist Art and Architecture

• The Ajanta Caves date from the 2nd century B.C. to around the 6th or 7th century A.D., with 30 caves in total. These include five prayer halls and the rest as monasteries for monks.
• Cave numbering doesn’t reflect age, and while all originally had paintings, only 13 still have significant ones. The earliest caves are small and simple, with inscriptions suggesting dates as early as the 2nd century B.C.
• Another wave of construction occurred around the 5th century A.D., with many caves built under the Vakataka dynasty, particularly Caves 16 and 17. Some inscriptions suggest the caves were still in use during the 8th or 9th centuries.
• The caves sit along a 550-meter ravine by the Waghora River in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Carved into the rock, they serve as one of the finest examples of early Buddhist architecture and art, known especially for their vibrant frescoes telling stories from the life of Buddha.
• While their original name is unknown, inscriptions refer to the caves as “stone abodes” and “dwelling caves.” The earliest mentions of Ajanta come from Chinese travelers Faxian and Xuanzang, and the site was rediscovered in 1819 by British officer John Smith.
• Ajanta’s caves fall into two main types: chaityas (prayer halls with stupas) and viharas (monastic dwellings). The viharas later became more elaborate with pillars and shrines, reflecting influences from both the Gupta period and regional artistic traditions. The majority of the caves are vihara halls with symmetrical square plans. 
• The Ajanta cave paintings primarily depict Jataka tales, which narrate the Buddha’s previous lives and the moral lessons from them.These stories show Buddha’s sacrifices in various incarnations, both as animals and humans, and share themes with Hindu and Jain legends.

Some famous paintings from the Ajanta Caves and their significance:

1. Padmapani (Cave 1):
   This iconic painting of Avalokitesvara, or Padmapani (Bearer of the Lotus), is one of the most famous depictions in Ajanta. It represents compassion and the Buddhist ideal of selfless service.
2. Vajrapani (Cave 1):
   Vajrapani, depicted holding a thunderbolt, symbolizes the power and strength of the Buddha’s teachings, often representing spiritual protection.
3. The Dying Princess (Cave 16):
   This painting shows a princess grieving her own impending death, a scene of emotional depth, signifying the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and suffering.
4. The Mahajanaka Jataka (Cave 1):
   This painting illustrates the Jataka tale of Mahajanaka, who renounced his kingdom to become an ascetic. It symbolizes sacrifice, renunciation, and spiritual aspiration.
5. Simhala Avadana (Cave 2):
   Depicts the story of Simhala’s journey to rescue women from demons. This painting conveys Buddhist teachings of heroism, protection, and overcoming evil.
6. The Miracle of Sravasti (Cave 7):
   Shows the miracle performed by Buddha in Sravasti, where he multiplied his form to outshine competing teachers. It emphasizes the Buddha’s superiority in knowledge and power.
7. The Vessantara Jataka (Cave 17):
   Depicts the story of Prince Vessantara, who gave away all his possessions, even his children, in charity. This painting exemplifies the virtue of generosity and selflessness.

Stepping into the Ajanta Caves is like embarking on a journey through India’s rich tapestry of history and culture. These ancient caves, with their intricate paintings and sculptures, reflect the profound spiritual and artistic legacy of early Buddhism. But more than that, they are a testament to India’s diversity—a land where various religions, cultures, and traditions have flourished side by side. The Jataka tales depicted on the cave walls speak not just to Buddhist teachings but also share common threads with Hindu and Jain philosophies, showing how deeply intertwined India’s cultural heritage is. Visiting Ajanta is not just exploring a single moment in history; it’s a dive into the soul of a land where art, religion, and culture harmoniously coexist. Come, be enchanted by India’s diverse heritage—Ajanta awaits your discovery.