The Amazing Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves, with its fine rock cut architecture continues to leave generations after generations
awestruck. This pride of Maharashtra and its murals are believed to be ‘Nothing less than the
birth of Indian art’. Here are some intriguing facts about Ajanta Caves that you should know!

 It’s believed that many monks used to take refuge in the Ajanta Caves during the
monsoon season. In order to utilize their time, they started making murals and sculptures
in the caverns which exhibited their creativity and finesse.
 How did the Ajanta Caves come to existence? - Ajanta caves were first discovered by a
British Officer in 1819. He was on his hunting expedition over the Deccan Plateau region
when he stumbled across a horse-shoe shaped cliff. He observed several cave-like
structures which persuaded him to cross the river Waghora and reach the caverns.
 Flood basalt and granite rocks, gathered in the form of igneous rocks, were used to
construct the Ajanta Caves. These rocks were formed by volcanic eruptions.
 Buddha strongly opposed the concept of sculpting and painting his image. He believed
that one must let go of his desires to find redemption. After his unfortunate death, his
devotees however thought of sculpting his images to preserve something while
propagating his teachings.
 Ajanta Caves is a group of 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves embellished with exquisite wall
paintings, sculptures and stupas.
 The frescos of the Ajanta Caves were heavily inspired by the artistic forms of Sri Lanka
and Tibet.
 Ajanta caves have been recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India

. Tanushree Sarda, IX, Apeejay School Saltlake