Ajanta and Ellora Caves
We stopped in central India in the Deccan Plateau east of Bombay (Mumbai.) Carved into ancient lava flows are the World Heritage sites of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. From the 1st century BC to about 700 AD, the spice trade created a caravan route from Southeast Asia to Europe that wound through this area. Prospering merchants along the route commissioned religious sanctuaries to be carved out of solid rock.
These man-made caves were carved based on an understanding among artisans (no design), and work was carried out over 5 generations in some cases! The Hindu shrines feature a plethora of exotic dieties from Brahma the creator through Vishnu the preserver, and on to Shiva the destroyer, and all their many consorts and manifestations.
To the right is Parvati astride her lion vehicle.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Buddhism was prominent during these times, and many caves were shrines for meditation and worship. Others housed a substantial monastic community.
One also finds Jain temples carved into the cliff faces. The workmanship is intricate, and the feat of sculpting, by hand, these massive structures creates a work of art that is stunning indeed.
At Ajanta, the colorful painting on the rock surfaces is preserved, and one finds unique presentations of Buddhist art, influenced by the many cultures encountered in the spice trade.
