AJANTA CAVE PAINTINGS
the many-splendoured delights of Ajanta compiled by Subramanian Swaminathan
e-mail: sswami99@gmail.com
 
 
Click on images for enlarged version
 
Location of Ajanta 

The caves of Ajanta are situated in the district of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta is about 100 km by road from Aurangabad and  
about 60 km from Jalgaon.  

An extended stay at Aurangabad would be rewarding, as the equally important caves are only about 30 km away.  

The possible explanation for the monastic establishment at Ajanta is its proximity to the ancient trade routes.  

 
Period of Excavation, Patronage, Re-discovery    
 
Layout of the Caves, Enchanting views of the caves    
 
Rock-cut Architecture    
 
Sculptures    
 
Themes    
 
Composition    
 
Painting Technique & Tradition    
 
Producing Depth & Relief    
 
Painting & Dance, Unique relation in Indian art 
Painting & Sculpture, Another unique relation
 
Symbolism in Indian Art 
Body postures (sthana-s) 
Draughtmanship
 
Portrayal of Women    
 
Depiction of Movement    
 
Humour    
 
Musical Heritage    
 
Contemporary Fashion    
 
Ceiling Paintings    
 
Phases of Ajanta Art    
 
Inspiration at Home & Abroad    
 
The end of the Ajanta epoch 
The creative period of Ajanta ended as mysteriously as it had begun.  Some of the unfinished caves, which were quite obviously abandoned unexpectedly, show that the emigration took place over a comparatively short span of time.
 
Ananda Coomaraswamy says ... 
The frescoes of Ajanta preserve an infinitely precious record of the golden age of Indian painting.   

This is the picture of a halcyon age, where renunciation and enjoyment are perfectly attuned, an art at once of utmost intimacy and reserve. 

Every gesture springs in godlike fashion directly from the natural dispositions of the mind........

 
 
Literature on Ajanta Paintings and related Subjects 
Mr.Swaminathan has made use of material from the following books
 
 
 
Glossary
 
 


 
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