Page 21 - Atheetha E-Magazine

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Art and Architecture of the

Ajanta Cave Temple: Brief

Study

Ajanta cave complex is Buddhist temples from 2nd

century BCE belonging to 7 century. Representing

the Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, this

cave complex consists of approximately 30 caves and

Chaitya halls with stupas in those cave temples that

have been used for worship and monks' residences

Introduction not insignificant. That influence has become a feature

of the identity of the Indian architectural system
I ndian art and architectural remains can for centuries. That effect is discussed in this article,

be divided into two paramount as secular based on the well-known Ajantha Cave Complex.
architecture and religious architecture. Between Ajanta cave complex is Buddhist temples from 2nd
them, if we consider religious architecture, we can century BCE belonging to 7 century. Representing
understand that it developed in parallel with the multi- the Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist traditions,

religious concepts in India. Over the centuries, the this cave complex consists of approximately 30
Hindu religious concept has got the forefront place caves and Chaitya halls with stupas in those cave
of Indian. That concept could able to shape Indian temples that have been used for worship and

culture and philosophy. However, after consolidating monks' residences with chambers (Sangarama).
Buddhism in the middle part of India, many devout
sponsors patronage to develop it. After the spreading Location
of Mahayana Buddhism, art and architecture Shaped The caves are located in Aurangabad district, the
by its ideological philosophy. On the other hand, it state of Maharashtra in India. The village of Ajanta is

is noteworthy that the development of architecture situated at 20' 32'N and 75' 45'E. Ajanta village is about
in Buddhism has adapted to the needs of the various 300 miles northeast of Bombay and 55 miles north
sects. Accordingly, the creation of monasteries for of Aurangabad. The village is located in the Western
meditative monks using natural stone caves has been a Ghats. The Waghora River, with its beautiful waterfall,

prominent feature of India since the 2nd century BCE. forms a semi-circle at a place called Ajanta. These caves
are excavated in horseshoe-shaped rock surface bend
Accordingly, the influence of the Hinayana and
Mahayana Buddhist traditions on Indian art ships is about 600 yards from east to west, nearly 76m in height.