Indian Cave Paintings

The Cave Paintings of Ajanta and Ellora

The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are a series of Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls carved out of living rock.

The digging of the Ajanta caves was initiated in the 4 th century AD. Over the centuries, 29 such caves were dug by Buddhist monks, and used as cells and monasteries. These caves are adorned with sculptures of animals, guards and deities, and paintings of courtly life and Buddhist tales. Amidst these are several sculptures of Buddha.

The caves of Ellora are replete with carvings inspired by Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These date back to the 7 th century AD. The Kailasa Temple in Ellora is a magnificent structure carved out of solid rock. It is a full sized temple, flanked by elephants on either side.

The rock art of the Ajanta and Ellora caves is a tribute to the mastery of the artisans of yore.

Other cave paintings in India have been discovered in the Ramgarh hill caves in Chhattisgarh.