About sixty-two miles north of Aurangabad in western India,
the cave temples of Ajanta, carved out of the side of
a steep ravine, consist of chapels and monasteries dating
from 200 B.C.-A.D. 650. These chapels and monasteries
houses magnificent frescoes and sculpture depicting scenes
from the life of Buddha. Tourists from all over the world
flock in to see these famous sculptures displaying the
artistry of their time recording stories from mythology
and the daily life of a 2000-year-old civilization.
The first mentions of these caves were found in the
writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited
India between AD 629 and 645. Some historians are of
the opinion that excavations of these caves span a period
of more than six centuries. Whatever may be the truth
these cave temples provide the most complete illustration
of Buddhist tradition which you get to see through tour
packages for Ajanta.
Tales from the Jataka legends are also displayed vibrantly
depicting life in court, town or forest. The caves at
Ajanta contain some of India's most magnificent paintings.
The series of the paintings reflect particular themes
and subjects. Every gestures depicted in the paintings
convey specific meanings. The colors are used to suggest
different emotions of life. The daily chores of life
of Buddha are depicted to present different themes of
one's life. It appears that Indian art was at its zenith
during this period, while the rest of the world was
still in the dark ages.
In the Inhyadri hills of the Sahyadri ranges, there
are thirty temples at Ajanta, which are set into the
rocky side of gorge, which can be seen through the tour
packages for Ajanta. The 29 caves were excavated beginning
around 200 BC, but they were abandoned in 650 AD in
favour of Ellora, (30 kilometers from Aurangabad), for
some unknown reasons. Five of the caves were temples
and 24 were monasteries. It is said that some 200 monks
and artisans occupied these caves. A British tiger-hunting
party rediscovered and protected these caves temples
in 1819.
Recommended Itineraries
Temples and Caves Tour
West and South India Train Tour
Cultural Tour of India
India Tours and packages offer tour packages, tour
itineraries and tours to Ajanta India.
For details about touring the city of Ajanta, please
fill in the query form below.
|
