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.