Ajanta Caves is among the finest examples of some of earliest Buddhist architecture, caves painting and sculptures. They are Buddhist Caves located near Ajanta village, Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state in India. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures.

The Ajanta caves were build in  mainly two phases, the first starting from 2nd century BCE and the second occurring from 400 to 650 CE, according to older accounts. Ajanta caves are all on single hill-horse-shoe shaped. They are about 29 caves. 

Over seven centuries, the caves temples of Ajanta evolved into works of incredible and beautiful art. Structural engineering continue to be awestruck by sheer brilliance of ancient builders. Ajanta caves are actually a masterpiece of Buddhist religious and Indian artwork. Ajanta caves constitute ancient monasteries and worship halls of different Buddhist tradition carved into a nearly 75 meters wall of rock, it's such a eye-catching place. it actually reflects hard-work of ancestors.

Monasteries:

The maximum of caves are vihara halls with symmetrical square planes. The central square space of the viharas is defined by square column forming a more-or-less square open area.

Worship hall:

The another type of main hall  is the rectangular plan with highly arched ceiling type is chaitya-griha architecture. the hall is longitudinally divided into a  two narrower side aisles separated by symmetrical row of pillars.

Paintings: 

The paintings from ancient times, made of using different material which is available easily like cow dung and clay, painted in different colors like brown, yellow, black and white using many different techniques, makes this site a perfect place to relive history. The Ajanta caves painting done using technique called Tempera. Many paintings from caves tells us story about stages of becoming Buddha and about life of Buddha.

First period caves 'Satavahana' include Caves 9,10,12,13,15A, they are earliest constructed caves. Second period Caves ‘Vakataka’ include Caves 1-8, 11,14-29, they were build between 4th and 7th century. Cave 19, 26 and 29 are prayer hall. 

One must read the history of Buddha, and Ajanta caves before visiting. this place is surrounded by forests and hills it makes it even more beautiful. Ajanta caves really needs time, knowledge and sigh for art. it's beyond explanation and beyond words. Thousands of years ago, what was chiselled, that was mind blowing. I must say one thing that Ajanta must be visited at least once in your lifetime. 

                                                                            - Supriya Gaikwad