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Ajanta Caves are Buddhist rock-cut temples and monasteries. This major tourist attraction is located near the Ajanta village of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fresco-type paintings found inside Ajanta Caves are a focus of interest for many people. These paintings depict Buddhist legends in a grand manner. But what makes these caves so special? Here are some interesting facts about Ajanta Caves in English you need to know!
Important Fun Facts About Ajanta Caves
1. In 1983, the caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Ajanta Caves were excavated out of a vertical cliff above the left banks of the river Waghora.
3. There are a total of 30 caves out of which five (caves 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29) are sanctuaries and the rest are sangharamas or viharas.
4. The first Buddhist cave monuments of Ajanta date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
5. It is believed that more caves were added to the group during the Gupta period (5th and 6th A.D.).
6. These caves are adjoined by the river using rock-cut staircases.
7. The excavation activity is believed to be carried out in two phases.
8. The first phase runs parallel with the rule of the Satavahana dynasty from around the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century BCE.
9. The second excavation phase connects with the Vakata dynasty of the 5th and 6th centuries CE.
10. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the Ajanta Caves.
FAQs
Some unique facts about Ajanta Caves include that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves were carved out of a cliff, and they are being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
A unique fact about the Ajanta painting is that the layer of plaster was dry when it was being painted. Nonetheless, the colours are vivid even after decades.
One interesting fact about Ajanta Caves is that they are actually Buddhist caves dating back to the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. They contain numerous rock-cut sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha’s teachings.
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