History of Paintings of Ajanta
Ajanta caves are famous for its ancient mural paintings. Most of these paintings are done during the time period AD 463, during the rule of Vakataka dynasty. So, these paintings are more than 1500 years old. It has been commissioned by many kings and royal patrons of Vakataka dynasty. The paintings of Ajanta are vibrant and delicate. They depict various events from the life of Gautama Buddha. These tales are known as Jataka tales.
![]() |
Recreation of a painting of Ajanta by Robert Gill, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons |
1. Padmapani – The compassionate Bodhisattva
One of the most famous paintings of Ajanta is that of Padmapani. It’s located near the sanctum of Ajanta cave one. The figure depicted in this iconic mural painting is bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. The figure has a royal crown and flanked by attendants.
![]() |
Padmapani Photo Courtesy: 9212jay, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
2. Vajrapani - Bodhisattva who is a protector and guide
Vajrapani - The Protector |
3. The Dancing Girl of Ajanta
Dancing girl of Ajanta painting - Original |
$ads={1}
4. Thousand Buddhas of Ajanta cave
Another famous mural of Ajanta caves is popularly known as the thousand Buddhas. This mural is found in cave number 2. This cave was built in AD 464. These are a collection of numerous miniature Buddha figures seated in various yogic posture. These paintings are located close to the sanctum, arranged neatly in a rectangular frame. Unfortunately, most of these paintings have chipped off.
![]() |
A part of Thousand Buddhas of Ajanta Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
5. The Birth of Gautama Buddha - Bhagavatprasuti
This mural painting of Ajanta depict the birth of Bodhisattva as Gautama Buddha. This is a very vivid mural panel. Various episodes related to the birth of Gautama Buddha is depicted in this painting found in Ajanta Cave 2. It starts with Maya, queen of Kapilavastu seeing the dream of a six-tusked white elephant. It's interpreted as a divine dream and the scholars predict that Maya would give birth to a divine child. This is known as the story of Bhagavatprasuti. In the below part of the painting, Bodhisattva is discussing his next birth with the other Gods.
Ajanta painting panel - Bhagavatprasuti - Birth of Gautama Buddha. |
6. Dhanapala Narrative - Buddha subjugating a berserk elephant
Dhanapala painting on Ajanta cave 17 porch |
7. Udayin Narrative - A vibrant painting on Ajanta cave 17
This is a vibrant painting, flashing orange and red colors, depicting the story of Udayin and Gupta. Udayin was a member of King Suddhodhana's court. He falls in love with Gupta, but later decides to renounce the worldly life and wants to follow the Guatama Buddha. This painting depicts Gupta's attempt to stop Udayin. This painting has lavish colors, vermillion, lapiz lazuli and emerald blue.
8. Painting of King Mahajana - From Janaka Jataka
![]() |
Janaka Jataka By Meister des Mahâjanaka Jâtaka, via Wikimedia Commons |
9. Buddha and Rahula - Heart warming Ajanta painting
Buddha with Rahula and Yashodhara |
10. Samsara Chakra - The wheel of different worlds
This is a very interesting painting in Ajanta caves. It's a very insightful painting that represents different worlds. Unfortunately a major portion of this painting is already damaged.
Samsara Chakra in Ajanta |
![]() |
Original Samsara Chakra By Nagarjun Kandukuru from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
Post a Comment