Ajanta Cave Temple 19 - History, Sculptures and Paintings

Ajanta Cave 19 - History, Art and Architecture

One of the most elaborate Buddhist cave temples in Ajanta is Cave 19. It was designed as a Chaitya Griha or prayer hall. It stands almost at the center of the horse shoe shaped volcanic cliff where the Ajanta cave temples are located. This Buddhist cave temple with extensive carvings was commissioned by a local king named Upendragupta. Cave 19 of Ajanta has an elaborate front facade feature many exquisite sculptures. The interiors of this cave has impressive pillars and a standing Buddha idol. 

Façade of Ajanta Cave 19
C .SHELARE, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

History of Ajanta Cave 19

Construction of this cave temple started somewhere around 469 CE. King Upendragupta had grand plans for this cave temple as he envisioned it as the "ceremonial center" of the Ajanta group of caves. In 472, King Upendragupta was expelled from the power by his neighboring Asmakas. The construction of Cave 19 of Ajanta was finished in a hurry from 469 CE to 471 CE as King Upendragupta had foreseen the impending attack from Asmakas. The Asmakas conquered Upendragupta  in 472, they disallowed any further development of Ajanta cave 19. The front façade of this cave was later completed by intruding donors who added their own sculptures. 

Art and Architecture of Ajanta Cave 19

The front façade of Ajanta cave 19 is highly ornate with a number of notable sculptures. Many sculptures of Buddha and other mythological characters are carved onto the grand front façade. 

Front façade of Buddhist Cave Temple 19

Buddha offering his begging bowl to Rahula

One of the striking sculptures is that of Buddha and Rahula. It's present on the right side of the doorway of cave 19. This was constructed in 470 CE. In this sculpture, Buddha is offering his only worldly possession, his inheritance, the begging bowl to his son Rahula. Legends says that Rahula kept following Buddha asking for his inheritance and in turn Buddha showed Rahula that nothing of this world is permanent and would only bring misery to him. 

Buddha and Rahula - Ajanta Cave 19
Vengolis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dipankara Jataka - Doorway left side 

Another striking sculpture flanks the opposite side of the doorway in Ajanta Cave 19. This is the depiction of Dipankara Jataka. This sculpture was also created around 470 CE. Along with the sculpture of Buddha and Rahula, this sculpture that shows the devotedness of an Ascetic, creates a beautiful pair of sculptures that flanks the front door. 

Dipankara Jataka

Guardian Figures - Right and Left of Arched Doorway

Two guardian figures on the left and right above the ached doorway of Ajanta cave 19 is an embodiment of wealth and splendor. Both the guardian figures have intricate hairdos delicately carved onto rock. These figures are envisioned as both 'protectors' and 'welcomers.' These guardian sculptures are adorned with necklaces and garlands showing their high position in the society. At the foot of one of the guardians, a dwarf attendant is pouring gold coins. These two sculptures are the perfect example of the skill of sculptors who created the Ajanta caves. These figures are also an indication of high level of cultural sophistication and artistic skills in ancient India. 

Guardian Figures on the left and right of front facade in Ajanta

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Nagaraja and Nagini - Left side of cave 19 court

The neatly carved sculpture panel of Nagaraja (Snake King) and his consort Nagini can be found on the left side on the small court in front of Ajanta cave 19. This is a delicate sculpture that shows the artistic skills and sensibility of the Ajanta cave sculptures. This figure was meant to be the guardian of the cave. The Nagaraja sculpture along with two sensuous Nagini sculptures is a common theme repeated in most of the Ajanta caves. They are the protectors of the cave and important iconography in Buddhism along with Yakshas. 

Nagaraja Along with Naginis

Interior of Buddhist Cave Temple 19, Ajanta

The interior of Upendragupta's cave 19 is equally embellished like the front facade. The pillars are highly carved and dotted with numerous Buddha sculptures. The focus of this Buddhist prayer hall is of course the central figure of Buddha. 

Central Stupa along with highly ornate pillars
Anbu Gandhi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Central Stupa with Standing Buddha

At the center of the Cave 19, flanked by pairs of highly ornate pillars, is the Stupa. In Buddhism, Stupa is a mound like structure, the focus of prayer/meditation. The Stupa of Ajanta Cave 19 is carved with a standing figure of Buddha. The hands of Buddha has been destroyed, but researchers believe that this idol was in Abhaya Mudra, reassuring the devotees not to be afraid and promises to provide refuge. The stupa is nicely decorated with three layers of umbrella above Buddha's head. These umbrellas or parasols indicates protection from illness, suffering and harmful energies.

Standing Buddha in Ajanta Cave 19

Frieze Above Pillars with Group of Buddha Figures

In Ajanta cave 19, the area above the pillars (frieze) has a group of rich carvings. The oval shaped frieze is divided into multiple panels and each of these panels has a sculpture of Buddha in various postures. The dividers that separate each panel is also highly carved. 

Pillar frieze showing various Buddha sculptures in panels
Hiroki Ogawa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Highly Ornate Pillars of Ajanta Cave 19

The pillars are highly complex structures that end in a beautifully carved shaft. The pillars often shows the evolution of architecture in a cave temple. The older structures have square and stout pillars, where as the ones in Cave 19 are highly sophisticated with a lot of carvings. In each of these shafts the central figure is Buddha flanked by celestial beings on either sides. 

Highly Ornate Pillar Capitals of Ajanta Cave 19
Vengolis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Paintings in Ajanta Cave 19

The Ambulatory of Ajanta Cave 19 shows a variety of bright mural paintings. Flowers and animals are a recurring theme in these paintings. Also, the walls of Cave 19 shows a group of Buddha images.

 

Buddha paintings of Ajanta Cave 19

Even tough the Ajanta Cave 19 construction was started by Upendragupta with great expectations, most of the work happened in a rush as the king himself knew that he would be defeated in near future. The empty dedication panel in front of Cave temple 19 in Ajanta is a proof that Upendragupta had to abandon his almost-finished cave temples as Asmakas defeated him soon after.