Ajanta Caves
The ancient Buddhist caves of Ajanta had been carved out in the volcanic rock of the Deccan plateau. It belongs to different historical periods. Cave numbers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 belong to the early Hinayana phase and the rest were of the later Mahayana order of Buddhists. Of the total, there are five chaitya grihas or prayer halls; the other twenty-four are Viharas (monasteries). Number 1 Vihara is one of the most spectacular monasteries of Ajanta. There is a very big image of the seated Buddha flanked by a Bodhisattva. Number 2 Vihara follows the plan of Number 1. Number 9 chaitya griha is one of the earliest prayer halls dating back to the first century B.C. Here, a new decorative design called chaitya arch was invented. Number 10 chaitya griha is probably the oldest excavated site at Ajanta dating back to the 2nd century B.C. The paintings depict scenes from the Chhaddanta Jataka and the story of Vessantara. Jataka are the features of Number 17 Vihara. Number 20 chaitya griha is embellished with much more decorative work than any other shrine at Ajanta.
