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PAINTINGS

AJANTA CAVE PAINTINGS
the many-splendoured delights of Ajanta compiled by Subramanian Swaminathan

e-mail: sswami99@gmail.com

September 2007

Sculpture


During the first phase, the Buddha was not shown in the human form, but only through symbols, such as, the Wheel, the Bodhi Tree and the Feet of the Buddha. But during the Mahayana period sculptures and paintings of the Buddha and the Bodhi-sattva-s, were added.

The sculpture of Ajanta belongs to the great art-tradition of contemporary India. Sculpture from the 4th century AD, is remarkable for its grace, elegance, restraint and serenity.

However, the general character of the sculpture of Ajanta tends towards a certain heaviness of form, and is considered inferior to the Gupta images.

Every one of the sculptures was plastered and painted. But most of the plaster is now lost.


Naga King and his Consort, Cave 19




Maha-pari-nirvana, Cave 26






Hariti shrine, Cave 2



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