Which period Ajanta paintings belong?

According to Walter Spink, they were made during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE, probably under the patronage of the Hindu Satavahana dynasty (230 BCE – c. 220 CE) who ruled the region.

What is the time period of Ajanta cave painting?

The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group.

What was the time period of Ajanta of Gupta period?

The caves at Ajanta date from the 2nd century B.C.E. to 650 C.E and were cut into the mountainside in two distinct phases. Discovered by chance in 1819 by British soldiers on a hunt, the Ajanta Caves have become an icon of ancient Indian art, and have influenced subsequent artists and styles.

In which period was Ellora temple constructed?

It was built during 757-783 AD by Krishna I who was the uncle of Dantidurga. Built during the 6th to 8th century in the Kalachuris period, the Hindu Caves were built in two phases.

What are the main features of Ajanta paintings?

Red ochre, yellow ochre, brown ochre, lamp black, white, and lapis were the main colours which were used which were imported from Northern India, central Asia, and Persia. 5. All the walls and pilasters are covered by overlapping figures, brought to life with bright and contrasting colors by the artists.

Who made Ajanta caves?

20 caves were built during the Vakataka dynasty, during the reign of Harisena, and at the end of his reign, these caves were abandoned. Inside the caves, you can see paintings depicting the life of Gautam Buddha, and also stories from Jataka Tales.

What is the theme of Ajanta paintings?

They are found on the walls and ceilings at Ajanta. The paintings reflect different phases of Indian Culture from jain tirthankar mahaveer’s birth to his nirvana in the 8th Century AD. Though the themes in these paintings are both secular and religious, they do depict some aspect of Buddhist life and rituals.

Who destroyed Ajanta caves?

2. In 1682, A muslim ruler Aurangzeb hired 1000 workers for three years only to destroy this temple completely.

What is the golden period in Indian art?

Gupta art is the art of the Gupta Empire, which ruled most of northern India, with its peak between about 300 and 480 CE, surviving in much reduced form until c. 550. The Gupta period is generally regarded as a classic peak and golden age of North Indian art for all the major religious groups.

Who destroyed Ellora caves?

Mughal King Aurangzeb
There is an interesting tale about the Kailasa Temple of Ellora. Mughal King Aurangzeb who destroyed thousands of Hindu temple, also tried to destroy Kailasa temple. It is said that 1000 people were sent to destroy the temple in the year 1682.

What is Ajanta known for?

Ajanta Caves, Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, located near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra state, western India, that are celebrated for their wall paintings.

Who built the Ajanta caves?

How old are the paintings in the Ajanta Caves?

The caves are not only an engineering marvel as they are all manually excavated caves and not natural caves. These paintings have survived 2000 years. Still, have the stories oozing out of them can not leave you without a mesmerizing emotion. I have visited Ajanta caves & Ellora caves many times as my father was posted in Aurangabad for some time.

How are Ajanta paintings different from fresco paintings?

Technically speaking they are not Frescos as Frescos are paintings that are done when the surface is still wet. Ajanta paintings were made on a dry surface using a technique known as Tempera. Depending upon the surface a base of Mud or Husk was put which was then covered with lime, on which these paintings were then painted.

What does the mural of Purna in Ajanta represent?

The mural depicts various events from the life of Purna, a devotee of the Buddha. He had made six sea voyages; hence, the artists delineated seafaring scenes very vividly. It includes a sea storm, sea monsters, huge fish, sinking boats, Nagas and spirits. It is damaged and faded and almost invisible.

Who are the rulers of the Ajanta period?

The rulers, the Satavahana-s, the Vakataka-s and the Chalukya-s, were themselves Hindus, but allowed Buddhism to flourish in their territory. But there was no direct royal help during almost the entire period. But the rich mercantile community, organising itself into guilds, had provided the requisite patronage.