For reasons unknown, the Ajanta artist did not paint religious themes on the ceilings.  But expert workmanship is evident.  These drawings have taken the texture of a carpet, brilliantly woven, captivating the eyes and filling the senses. 

One of the themes is the huge concentric circle enclosed in a square, with number of flowery bands within it. 

Cave 2

Hariti shrine, Cave 2

Main hall, Cave 17

Another equally cherished theme consists of a number of rectangular panels filled with decorative motifs framed by smaller squares or rectangles with representations of fruit and floral forms. 

Animals & Birds 

Cave 1

Reclining Bulls, Cave 17

In Lighter Vein 

Cave 2

Cave 1

The most intriguing and least expected in a religious shrine  are the scenes depicting a king in his harem

and friends enjoying each other's company with wine!