The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 rock-cut caves which are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The caves are in a horseshoe-shaped gorge of the Waghora river and were built between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. The Ajanta Caves are famous for their elaborate rock-cut architecture and intricate wall paintings, which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha as well as stories from Jataka tales.
The Ajanta Caves were built during two distinct periods: the first phase, during the 2nd century BCE, saw the construction of caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A. The second phase, between the 4th and 6th century CE, saw the construction of the remaining caves. The caves were built by monks of the Hinayana sect of Buddhism, who used the caves as a place of worship and as monasteries.
The Ajanta Caves are known for their intricate rock-cut architecture and detailed sculptures. The caves are divided into two groups: the first group contains caves 1-12, and the second group contains caves 13-29. The caves in the first group are smaller and simpler in design, while the caves in the second group are larger and more elaborate. The caves in the second group also contain some of the most famous paintings in Ajanta, which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha as well as stories from Jataka tales.
The Ajanta Caves are also famous for their intricate wall paintings, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of Indian art. The paintings are done in a style known as the Ajanta style and are noted for their vibrant colors and fine details. The paintings cover a wide range of subjects, from the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales to scenes from daily life.
The Ajanta Caves were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer named John Smith. The caves had been forgotten and were covered in jungle growth. The British government immediately recognized the historical and artistic significance of the Ajanta Caves and began a program of conservation and restoration. The Ajanta Caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.