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 September 2007 Location of Ajanta 
The caves of Ajanta are situated in
the district of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta is about
100 km by road from Aurangabad and
about 60 km from Jalgaon. An extended stay at Aurangabad would be rewarding, as the equally important caves are only about 30 km away. The possible explanation for the monastic establishment at Ajanta is its proximity to the ancient trade routes. |
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Period of Excavation, Patronage, Re-discovery |
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Layout of the Caves, Enchanting views of the caves |
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Rock-cut Architecture |
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Sculptures |
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Themes |
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Composition |
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Painting Technique & Tradition |
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Producing Depth & Relief |
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Painting
& Dance, Unique relation in Indian art
Painting & Sculpture, Another unique relation |
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Symbolism
in Indian Art
Body postures (sthana-s) Draughtmanship |
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Portrayal of Women |
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Depiction of Movement |
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Humour |
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Musical Heritage |
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Contemporary Fashion |
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Ceiling Paintings |
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Phases of Ajanta Art |
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Inspiration at Home & Abroad |
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The end of the Ajanta
epoch
The creative period of Ajanta ended as mysteriously as it had begun. Some of the unfinished caves, which were quite obviously abandoned unexpectedly, show that the emigration took place over a comparatively short span of time. |
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 Ananda
Coomaraswamy says ...
The frescoes of Ajanta preserve an infinitely precious record of the golden age of Indian painting. This is the picture of a halcyon age, where renunciation and enjoyment are perfectly attuned, an art at once of utmost intimacy and reserve. Every gesture springs in godlike fashion directly from the natural dispositions of the mind........ |
| Literature
on Ajanta Paintings and related Subjects
Mr.Swaminathan has made use of material from the following books |
| Glossary |