Which paintings are made on the walls of Ajanta Caves?

The Ajanta Caves constitute ancient monasteries and worship-halls of different Buddhist traditions carved into a 75-metre (246 ft) wall of rock. The caves also present paintings depicting the past lives and rebirths of the Buddha, pictorial tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala, and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities.

What is the main theme of the wall paintings at Ajanta?

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.

What are the special features of the Ajanta fresco 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.

Which one is famous painting from Ajanta?

Bodhisattva Padmapani
Bodhisattva Padmapani is perhaps the best known of the paintings in Ajanta Caves. Padmapani in Sanskrit literally translates into one who holds the lotus. Bodhisattva is one who aspires to be a Buddha.

How are the cave paintings at Ajanta different?

The painting techniques at Ajanta are similar to European fresco technique. The primary difference is that the layer of plaster was dry when it was painted. First, a rough plaster of clay, cow dung, and rice husks were pressed on to the rough cave walls. This was then coated with lime juice in order to create a smooth working surface.

What was the purpose of the Ajanta frescos?

The Ajanta frescos are classical paintings and the work of confident artists, without cliches, rich and full. They are luxurious, sensuous and celebrate physical beauty, aspects that early Western observers felt were shockingly out of place in these caves presumed to be meant for religious worship and ascetic monastic life.

Who are the Buddhas in the Ajanta Caves?

Avalokiteśvara, “Lord who looks down”, is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. The paintings and rock sculptures in the Ajanta caves, a Buddhist monastic complex in the Maharashta state of India, are a testimony to the golden age of Buddhism in India and a unique artistic achievement.

Which is the oldest cave complex in India?

The Ajanta caves, a Buddhist cave complex in the state of Maharashtra, India, are a sequence of 29 caves dating back to 2nd century B.C.E. till 650 C.E. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ajanta is a horseshoe-shaped cave around the Waghur river.