Cave:1
cave 1 is one of the finest examples of Vihara architecture evoved towards the end of the fifth century. The facade is lavishly ornamented, its beauty enhanced by six richly carved columns on the varandah. Their shafts are adorned with tracery-work and the bracket capitals have flying figures. The ornate doorway leaps in to a big hall 19.5 meter 64.fit) square. An aisle is formed by a colonnade of pillars as adorned as those on the verandah. On these sides there are rows of cells. Beyond the antechamber facing the entrance is a huge Buddha image grouped with the masters first five disciples and others. One central pillar in the right row has a curious carving done with remarkable realism; for deer in different positions have a single head which seems to belong to each one. The entire wall spacfe and ceiling as also the pillars in this cave had once been painted. Much of the work has peeled off,but enough of great value has survived. This includes a few masterpieces.
The paintings mainly illustrate Jataka,stories. A typical one, at the left of main entrance, has been identified with Sibi Jataka. The story goes that a Pigeon, chased by a hawk, sought the protection of King Sibi, who was a Bodhisattva. The hawk, came in pursuit and demanded its lawful prey. King Sibi struck bargain to save the little birds life. He gave the hawk a measure of his own flesh equal to the birds weight. The pigeon is seen here in the Kings lap and beyond a pavilion the king stands by a pair of scales (right). The side walls of the antechamber present remarkable scenes from the Buddha's life in large-scale compositions. The one at the left visualizes a moment when Gautam end of seven yearas of seeking, was about to attain Enlightenment. Even since the time he had left his palace and taken to the ascetic's life Mara, the Evil one,had been at his heels.
The composition on the right wall is" Miracle of Sravasti" Here the Buddha has turned himself into hundreds of Buddhas in different attitudes . The wall of the back corridor, to the left and right of the ante-chamber contains tow majestic Bodhisttvas which are among the Ajanta masterpieces. The one to the left is padmapani. His eyes are lowered meditatively: his face had depths of spiritual calm born of compassion for all living forms. The great picture has fascinated the art-critics of many countries. Beside the Bodhisattava is his attractive wife, a dark beauty who had featured often in Ajanta reproductions. The left corner of the composition has divine figures and the right, monkeys and peacocks are seen joyous-frolic.
Prof. John Kurakar
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| Ajanta caves- Prof. John Kurakar & family |
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| John Kurakar, Kuriyan Ariboor, Manju, Molly Kurakar |
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| Manju & Manu |
The composition on the right wall is" Miracle of Sravasti" Here the Buddha has turned himself into hundreds of Buddhas in different attitudes . The wall of the back corridor, to the left and right of the ante-chamber contains tow majestic Bodhisttvas which are among the Ajanta masterpieces. The one to the left is padmapani. His eyes are lowered meditatively: his face had depths of spiritual calm born of compassion for all living forms. The great picture has fascinated the art-critics of many countries. Beside the Bodhisattava is his attractive wife, a dark beauty who had featured often in Ajanta reproductions. The left corner of the composition has divine figures and the right, monkeys and peacocks are seen joyous-frolic.
Prof. John Kurakar
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