Ajanta, India Beat’s favorite hidden treasure

« Previous page | Posted on: December 1, 2011 | Filed under: Maharashtra

One of India’s most spectacular sights, the Ajanta Caves, are hidden away on the side of a remote gorge in Maharastra. India Beat travelled to Aurangabad to explore the caves that were once home to thousands of Buddhist monks. Occupied since the 2nd Century BC monks carved huge cave temples and prayer halls into the cliff face and decorated them with astonishing paintings and carvings. The caves were abandoned shortly after the 5th Century and were only rediscovered in 1819 by Captain John Smith who was on a tiger hunt in the area. The paintings inside the 27 caves are the most complete representation of early Buddhist life and worship in India and are absolutely stunning.

Contact India Beat

Tags: Ajanta Caves, Buddhism, Maharashtra