Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are rock-cut cave monuments dating from the second century BCE, containing paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal pictorial art".

Year Decision Comments
1983 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Christer Sundberg (Sweden):
The Ajanta Caves, situated 105 km north of Aurangabad, dates back to 200 AD to 650 BC, predating both the Ellora and Elephanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves was, similar to the Khajuraho Monuments, discovered accidentally by a company of British soldiers in the early 19th century.


Hidden under thick vegetation they had been forgotten for over 1200 years. But the isolation, and the fact that the caves seem to have been abandoned over a short period of time, are likely the major contributors the fact that we can enjoy this remarkable piece of art today as they once were made and used by the monks.

The 30 caves, placed in a horseshoe shape around a ravine where the river Wagura slowly flows along its bottom, are all carved out of the rock and are all dedicated to Buddha. Several human and animal figures are carved out of the rock and there are many exotic paintings depicting the life and incarnations of Buddha. The murals on the cave walls are still in a good condition, maintaining its original freshness and color.

The Ajanta Caves can not be reached with public transport. But unless your on an organized tour or have your own guide its possible to charter yourself a Tuk-Tuk for a day and slowly travel the 40 km up north of Aurangabad. Stash up with loads of water though, it can be quite a hot trip!
 
Lars Göhler (Germany):
Every time I come to Ajanta, I am fascinated again. I think the Archaeological Survey is on a good way to restorate the caves. You can see few more Photos of Ajanta on my site www.india-picture.net/Ajanta
Date posted: December 2005
bhante N. Vidyananda (INDIA):
i m a buddhist monk,(age 26) my name is bhante n.vidyanand (thervada)i have search more buddhist caves which is unpublished.I have take these photographs for wish to show u.How i can please tell me.By some Hinduse whose r serving in MTDC Dpt. they r not beaving very calm and quite because Buddha teachings how to live calm and quite therefore i will suggest to u as a buddhist monk u should be add to a build a "meditation centre" at ajanta caves.

For that i request to u we manage on ajanta caves boilos some land blank for meditation centre otherwise i will plan to take some land for meditation centre. i hope u all of them unit co-oprate to that Holly work to progress a pure mind.

I heard about "Ajanta Caves" 300 thousand japan currency had been donated to develope "AJANTA CAVES" but i was seen there all that currency not utilised proper way.

INDIA is not a rich country so i suggest to u that there should be so cheap cost to reach from t_ point to "Ajanta caves" ( 4 km) because before start bus that time lots of people was come to see Ajanta place. Now a days Bus fare is so thats why lots of people not come to see Ajanta caves.AJANTA CAVES near area 0% pollution so should be there CNG gas Bus sholu be start to save and preserve and reserve from the pollusion it is ur responcibility.

Be include and think about it.
thank u
Date posted: October 2005
Rob Wilson (UK):
Ajanta is a superb site that is well worth visiting (and putting up with the ASI's rip off entry fees).
It is stunningly set and in magnificent condition. One can only marvel at the fabulous artwork.
A true gem.
Date posted: July 2005
Paul Tanner (UK):
It is perhaps slightly surprising to find that Ajanta hasn’t yet been reviewed although coverage of India’s WHS on this site is pretty high. It is well worth a visit and combines well, in a journey from Northern India to Mumbai, with the relatively nearby and complementary WHS at Ellora. We got off a night train from the north at Jalgaon, took a bus (frequent) to Ajanta, spent several hours there (enough), bussed on to Aurangabad to overnight and then visited Ellora the next day - as fine a “pair” of WHS as you will find anywhere! Indeed you could have seen the WHS at Sanchi the previous day and that at Elephanta on the 4th –though that might be a bit greedy (and I think Aurangabad/Ellora justifies more time)!

I say “complementary” since both are religious shrines consisting of caves containing primarily Buddhist (but also moving on to Jain and Hindu at Ellora) relics. Ajanta is primarily famous for its paintings (but has sculptures also) whilst Ellora is all about carving. Ajanta predates Ellora so that is the best sequence to see them in – indeed it is thought that the later builders/artists at Ajanta moved on to Ellora in the 7th century.

I must admit to finding Ellora more impressive (see review) – yet Ajanta was more remote and better survived later depredations, being “rediscovered” by some British tiger hunters in 1819. The siting is rather fine (Photo) and if it is not too crowded you can imagine both the monks going about their daily lives and the British stumbling upon the caves from the top of the cliff. If you have read my reviews of 4 Chinese Buddhist cave WHS you will know that Buddhist paintings/sculptures do not excite me that much, but the vivacity of the scenes and the colours is undoubtedly very fine and the more worldly subject matter of legends appeals to me more than 1000s of Buddhas/Boddishatvatas (though there are plenty of these too!). It is well worthwhile having a good guide/book.
Date posted: June 2005


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