Close ups of Ajanta's exteriors

These rock-cut caves near Aurangabad in India are a world heritage site and fairly well preserved. These 30 caves represent Buddhism. Although much of it has been eroded by the sands of time, it is worth a see. The  fact that they have been preserved since the fifth century B.C. is amazing. They lie inside a horseshoe shaped gorge, and a reason they were protected from the the harsh vagaries of nature. The caves are a fine example of ancient Buddhist architecture. These images show what the exteriors are like in general, and are just a sample. In actuality many of temples can be double storeyed and spread out over a large area.

An example of what the exterior of an Ajanta cave can look like.

Some type of Buddhist monastery at Ajanta.

Amazing how the ancients managed to carve such a thing of beauty into the dark rock.

A closer look at the sculpted exteriors of the Ajanta caves at Aurangabad.

Temples carved into the hard rock of the western ghats.

Related images: A View from Ajanta - scenery of rocks, caves and hills which is a panoramic view of the hills surrounding Ajanta caves. Or  see photos of Ajanta Caves exterior images which reveal the horseshoe shaped gorge and the temples carved into it. Or check out all the carvings, sculptures and paintings at Ajanta or Ellora, where you will find photographs of both the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the art.
Or try photos from these posts: Group of temples at Mahabalipuram or Mammallapuram or Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram or Mammallapuram or Meenakshi Temple or Tiru-alavai images
Or check out the scores of images filed under the label "Temples"

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Inside the Ajanta Temples

The centuries old Ajanta Caves on the outskirts of Aurangabad are some of the most well maintained ancient archaeological world heritage sites in India. These 30 rock-cut caves are quite magnificent from the inside although the sculptures have chipped away and colours faded. The fact that they have been preserved since the fifth century B.C. is a miracle. One of the reasons could be that they are inside a horseshoe shaped gorge. The caves mainly represent Buddhism and are a great example of ancient Buddhist architecture. These images present a glimpse as to what the interiors are like and are just a sample. In actuality there are more than just 30 temples, because the temples often consist of several shrines and can be double storeyed.

In this picture you can see the large stone hall inside the temple. The pillars and ceiling is intricately decorated with sculptures. The Buddha can be seen inside the main shrine.

Here is another temple hall which appears plain by contrast. However most of the artwork has simply been eroded away by time. On the pillars you can see the remnants of the coloured paintings. One can only imagine how spectacular the temple must have looked when it was just made.

The inside of one of the main caves at Ajanta. The ceilings, walls and pillars are all elaborately sculptured and painted.

A look at the inner sanctum where the figure of Buddha is kept.

A passageway or corridor with Buddha sculptures at the side of the main hall.

You might also like View from Ajanta - scenery of rocks, caves and hills which is a panoramic view of the hills surrounding Ajanta caves. Or you can check out Ajanta Caves exterior images which reveal the horseshoe shaped gorge and the temples carved into it.
Or see all the carvings, sculptures and paintings at Ajanta or Ellora, where you will find photographs of both the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the art or try any of the labels below this post which will take you to art from all over the world.

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Ajanta Caves exterior images

This is what the Ajanta Caves look like from the outside. These 30 rock-cut caves are buried deep inside a horseshoe shaped gorge of the Waghora river. They represent the two distinct phases of Buddhism - the Hinayana phase from the second century BC to the first century AD and the second Mahayana phase from the fifth century AD to 6th century AD. They are a prime example of early Buddhist architecture and art. These caves remained safe from Mughal invaders as the caves were hidden deep in the rocks inside the jungles outside Aurangabad.

The caves stretch out into a long distance and Aurangabad is hot, so it is a long hot walk on concrete and stone. The caves are often double storeyed, if not higher, and that means climbing up and down for hours. Plus, the caves are huge inside with various halls and rooms and thus exploring some of the big caves can take over an hour. Chalk out a whole day for this adventure if you are serious about seeing this ancient art!

A closer view of the rock caves at Ajanta, on the outskirts of Aurangabad.

This is the view when the camera was turned in the opposite direction.

Another view of the Ajanta caves. The road to walk on is hard concrete and heats up. Decent and accessible toilet facilities were not available, at least not when we went. The toilet was locked!

You might also like View from Ajanta - scenery of rocks, caves and hills which is a panoramic view of the hills surrounding Ajanta caves, through the mouth of the horseshoe.
Or check out all the carvings, sculptures and paintings at Ajanta or Ellora, where you will find photographs of both the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the art.


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Frescoes and statues from the Aurangabad Caves

The Aurangabad caves are an example of ancient art because they are more than 14 centuries old! These  12 man-made rock-cut Buddhist cave shrines are to be found on top of a hill near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The caves are a great representation of Indian Classical Art. There are statues and carvings of all kinds.

These are some statues and frescoes from the caves. This first one is quite eroded by the elements as it is a piece of stone art on a pillar in one of the caves. The small fresco is of a woman but one is not sure what she is doing or what the person at her feet is holding up.

An elaborate fresco of statue art of Buddha who appears to be a central figure.

A panel fresco of various figures of the Buddha and attendants at the entrance to one of the caves.

A regal statue of Buddha at the entrance to an ancient Buddhist cave.

A carving out of stone of Buddha sitting down and blessing his devotees at the Aurangabad caves.

Related Images: Check out all the images from the Aurangabad Caves
Or images from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Or try the label "Buddhism" for sculptures and shrines of Buddha from different parts of the world.

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Aurangabad Temple Pillars

The elaborate and intricate carvings on the walls and temples of the Aurangabad caves is worth seeing and not just because it is more than 14 centuries old! These carvings are to be found in the 12 artificial rock-cut Buddhist cave shrines which are located on top of a hill near Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
These carvings are a spectacular representation of Indian Classical Art.
These designs are  and organized designs of fretwork, scrolls, panel of couples, tassels, flowers, geometrical designs, and highest point of perfection and consummation

This is a base of a pillar with small figurines on the side an flower motifs in the center.

This is the base of another pillar and shows the variety of decorative inlay on these stone pilars. This pillar base has small figures carved into its face.

This is the top of a pillar with figures and flower and nature motifs.

Another photo of a stone temple pillar decorated with flowers and geometric patterns.

Related Images: Check out all the images from the Aurangabad Caves
Or images from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Or try the label "Buddhism" for sculptures and shrines of Buddha from different parts of the world.

Carvings of the Aurangabad Caves

The elaborate and intricate carvings on the walls and temples of the Aurangabad caves is worth seeing and not just because it is more than 14 centuries old! These carvings are to be found in the 12 artificial rock-cut Buddhist cave shrines which are located on top of a hill near Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
These carvings are a spectacular representation of Indian Classical Art.

The figure, possibly of Buddha with two female attendants or consorts. All around the figures which have been carved into the soft rock you can see flowery designs and pretty borders.

Another figure of a couple surrounded by motifs from nature like leaves and flowers. Some remnants of colour can be seen on this eroded rock face.

A similar carving on the rock temple pillar, with three figures. A couple and another femaile. Flower and leaf motifs.

Geometric designs and patterns on the pillar of this Buddhist rock temple of Aurangabad Caves.

Related Pics: Check out all images from Aurangabad Caves of their exterior and interiors.
Also images from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Or try the label "Buddhism" for sculptures and shrines of Buddha from different parts of the world.

Buddhist Frescoes at Aurangabad Caves

Here are more interesting frescoes and sculptures from the Aurangabad Caves which are more than ten centuries old. This Indian classical art is as good as any found at Ajanta or Ellora and are a treat for the eyes. Most of this art is from the exterior walls of the temple caves which are all Buddhist shrines.

Here is a figure of a woman at the door of the caves, the entry into the Buddhist temple. Around her are decorated pillars.

A shot of the angel type figures near the ceiling of these spectacular caves.

A sculpture of Buddha just outside the Buddhist temples of the Aurangabad caves.

Another image of Buddha carved out of stone with some attendant figures on the side. Buddha is sitting with folded legs and hands. The throne on which he is sitting shows remnants of carvings.

A peep inside the inner sanctum to see the diety of Buddha through a door. At the entrance into the sanctum are two large figures of Buddha.

More images of art from Inside Aurangabad Caves and exterior shots
Or check out all images filed under Ajanta or Ellora, or try the label "Buddhism" for sculptures and shrines of Buddha from different parts of the world.

Inside Aurangabad Caves

These are sculptures from the Aurangabad Caves. The dozen caves are a treasurehouse of art and sculpture going back almost ten centuries. These Buddhist caves are often neglected due to the presence of the Ajanta  and  Ellora  caves nearby. These 12  rock-cut Buddhist shrines house amazing ancient sculptures of  Buddha and numerous other figures, many of them women. These sculptural carvings of Aurangabad Caves are true Indian classical art and are equal in artistry to those at Ajanta or Ellora.

This is a figure of Buddha inside and inner sanctum of the caves. Bits of faded paint is visible even now, after hundreds of years!

Another figure of Buddha inside a cave.

The artist could be representing apsaras or angels - mythical figures or they could be simply devotees of Buddha, ordinary women who worshipped him. The woman in the middle seems to be a dancer.
Unfortunately most of these sculptures lie neglected with rat and bat droppings all around. The caves also stink of rat and bat droppings. Such beautiful art should be restored and somehow protected from wild animals, birds and also the ravages of the weather and dampness.

A group of female devotees kneeling have been carved into the walls of the cave.  One of them appears to be clapping her hands. Could she be singing?

This is a fresco showing Buddha and an entourage on the walls of the caves. The paint is now gone, but the remnants can be seen.

A couple with a child carved into the inside of the cave. The man appears to be carrying something. Perhaps gifts for Buddha?

Related Pictures: Check out all images filed under Aurangabad Caves  which includes pictures of the Aurangabad Caves Exteriors as well as carvings and other Indian classical art from these caves.
Or check out all images filed under Ajanta and Ellora or try the label Buddhism for sculptures and shrines of Buddha from different parts of the world.

Aurangabad Caves Exterior

These are pictures of extraordinary ancient Indian art and architecture from the 6th and 7the centuries. These cave temples are Buddhist shrines cut out of rock on a hill-side near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. Unfortunately they have been given less importance due to the spectacular caves temples at Ajanta and Ellora, also on the outskirts of Aurangabad city and probably for the same reason UNESCO has not declared this as a World Heritage monument or site. However, the Aurangabad caves are a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and something no tourist should miss because of its sheer historical significance. Like the Ajanta and Ellora cave temples, these caves lay forgotten as they had been built in the wilderness and the Mughal rulers failed to destroy them.

One has to walk up the hill-side to see these caves but the walk is worth it. In any case the steps are not very steep as can be seen in these photographs. This photo was taken from near the top of the hill, outside the cave temples.

This is a picture of the exterior of the caves with its elaborately carved pilars and some broken statues in the front. A lot of erosion has taken place and one wonders whether any restoration work is planned.

A look at the rough exterior of the Aurangabad temple caves.

A view of the inside of the of the corridors inside the Aurangabad caves. A sculpture of Buddha with some other unknown figures next to him is visible at the end of the corridor. All the carvings are elaborate and one can only imagine the beauty of these caves all those centuries ago! Just the thought takes one's breath away.

A closer look at the carved pillars inside the Aurangabad temple caves.

A deity can be seen inside the inner sanctum of the caves. Has to be Buddha.

Check out all images filed under Aurangabad Caves which includes pictures of the interior and the sculptures and carvings inside and also Ajanta and Ellora . Or try the label "Buddhism" for sculptures and shrines of Buddha from different parts of the world.

View from Ajanta - scenery of rocks, caves and hills

A beautiful scene which can make a good header for a blog of a view from the Ajanta rock cave temples. The Ajanta caves are hewn out of rock which is in the shape of a horse-shoe. This photograph is taken from the inner curve of the horse-shoe (shaped like a "C") and you can see the rock caves on both sides, curving around like the arms of a C. There is lush green vegetation, rocks, and a small stream.

More headers: Headers or Nature Headers
Or check out the actual Ajanta rock temple caves here with their intricate carvings and sculptures: AJANTA

Cannons - old type of artillery

A cannon is any piece of artillery that uses gunpowder to launch projectiles in warfare. There are different types of cannons. Few people use the word cannon today and the word gun or guns is mostly used. What makes these weapons interesting is that they were the the firsts forms of gunpowder based weapons used by humans, and orginated in China. Soon the rest of the world started to use them. These weapons are now ancient relics and have been replaced by the use of aircraft guns and missiles.

This photograph is taken at the Daulatabad Fort near Aurangabad which was built by the Yadavas of Deogiri but later taken over by the Mughals in the 13th century. The fort in which these guns are found is built on a hill and is one of strongest forts of medieval India. Its defense system consists of a moat and high fortified walls.

This large cannon is made of brass and has urdu or arabic inscriptions. Also at Daulatabad Fort.

This light cannon was photographed at the Maharaja's palace in Jawahar town/village, also spelt Jawhar. It was a princely state.

This photo of a relatively modern cannon gun was shot in Pune in the Army area.

Ellora Temple Pillar Carvings

Ellora Temples, hewn out of rock outside Aurangabad in Maharashtra, were built between the 5th and the 10 century AD. They are a World Heritage site. Ellora has 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves/temples. Here are some photographs of the carved and intricately designed sculpted pillars of some of the temples. 

These pillars were at one time painted and one can see the remnants of the paint on the pillar. It has a round shape at the top and broadens out into a rectangular shape at the bottom.

This large hall inside a temple shows how the pillars are placed. Some of the designs have got worn away (at the bottom of the pillars)

Here you can see the floral motifs on the pillars. There are long leaves falling down from the small flowers. Above that there is a design of some small figures enclosed  by a beaded semi-circle. The top of the pillars the designs are larger in size.

Here is an intricate design carved on a pillar of a temple at Ellora. Figures, floral motifs and

The next three photographs show the pillars from Kailashnath Temple at Ellora, the most magnificent temple of all the Ellora temples.

Here is a close-up of the pillar design. Figures of people in various poses, dancing figures and geometric designs can be seen.

This is a base of a large column at Kailashnath temple showing elaborate carvings with gods and goddesses as well as other motifs.

More images from Ellora: Kailashnath Temple at Ellora - Photos or Ellora Temples sculpted exteriors or for images of Ajanta Art and Ajanta Temples try the label "Ajanta" or "Ellora" to find images from each of these places, including designs and sculptures.