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What's a Desi?
The term "desi" is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word "Desi" is derived from the Sanskrit word "desh," which means "country" or "region" or "homeland". ('Sanskrit' word 'Desh'? What is Sanskrit?)
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Ellora Caves
What are the Ellora Caves?
The Ellora Caves are a group of 34 rock-cut temples located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. The caves were carved out of the volcanic basalt rock in the 6th to 10th centuries CE and represent one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world.
The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered to be one of the greatest examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
The caves are a testament to the religious harmony that existed in ancient India, as they include Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, all located in close proximity to one another.
The rest of the video covers the other caves. Source
The Hindu caves at Ellora are dedicated to the god Shiva and feature elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The Buddhist caves are decorated with intricate paintings and carvings depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha, while the Jain caves feature detailed carvings of Jain tirthankaras (spiritual leaders).
The most famous cave at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. It was believed to have been built in the 8th century CE (but no hard evidences exist) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is carved entirely out of a single rock, and it is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from great Indian epics.
Are Ajanta and Ellora the same?
No. They are very different and both are a must see for anyone to admire and appreciate the artwork which is perhaps the most unique in all of the known world.
Read more about the Ajanta Caves here.
Where are the Ellora caves located?
Ellora Caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, about 30 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures.
Who built the Ellora caves? And when?
The Ellora Caves were built over a period of several centuries, from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE, under the patronage of various rulers and patrons of the time. The exact identities of these rulers and patrons are not known with certainty, as very little historical documentation exists from this period.
However, it is believed that the caves were built by a number of different dynasties and religious groups, including the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas, and the Yadavas, who were all powerful South Indian dynasties during this period. These rulers were patrons of the arts and provided financial support for the construction of religious monuments, including the Ellora Caves.
The Hindu caves at Ellora were likely built during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, who were great patrons of Hinduism and built several large temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Buddhist and Jain caves were likely built during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty, who were known for their support of Buddhism and Jainism.
What is the Kailasa Temple?
The Kailasa temple, located in Cave 16, is considered one of the most remarkable structures in the Ellora Caves. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 8th century AD by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. It is believed to be the largest monolithic structure in the world, carved out of a single piece of rock.
How long did it take to build this one temple?
The construction of the Kailasa temple is unique and remarkable, with its intricate carvings and sculptural details. It is not clear how long it took to build the temple, but it is believed to have taken several decades.
Who built the Kailasa temple?
Although there is no concrete evidence to suggest who exactly built the Kailasa temple, historians and scholars attribute it to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, based on inscriptions found on the site.
For a good coverage of this temple see this video - the first and last part of this, show this temple.
Are all the caves at Ellora the same?
The rest of the Ellora Caves also feature impressive architecture and intricate sculptures. The Buddhist caves are known for their peaceful aura and contain large statues of the Buddha. The Jain caves are highly ornate, with elaborate carvings and friezes depicting scenes from Jain mythology.
Why is the Kailasa temple considered unique, perhaps in all of India, if not the entire world?
The Kailasa temple at Ellora (Cave 16) is a remarkable example of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. The temple is carved out of a single massive rock, and its construction required an exceptional level of skill and technical expertise.
To create the temple, the builders first removed the debris and soil surrounding the rock to expose the solid rock face.
Then they would have used hammers and chisels to create a rough outline of the temple's floor plan, pillars, and sculptures.
The next step would have been to carve the temple's intricate details, including the reliefs, sculptures, and ornamental motifs, using smaller chisels and polishing tools.
The construction of the Kailasa temple was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring the efforts of skilled artisans, architects, and laborers working over many years. The temple's sheer scale and complexity, as well as the delicate details of the carvings, would have required an immense amount of effort and patience.
A single mistake would make the entire temple impossible to build. They would have to make sure the SINGLE rock they used does not have any cracks or blemishes INSIDE it. The temple is MULTIPLE stories and is not a tiny temple!
The skill level and design planning, had to be of an unimaginable level!
One glaring thing most visitors will notice is that several of the sculptures of the gods are broken or disfigured. This was the work has been attributed to Aurangazeb one of the mughal rulers. He was a very devout follower of his religion which forbade idolatry and he ordered the destruction of this temple which was too hard, and they eventually gave up after several years.
Why? The sculptures were too hard to break! (It's a wonder that the original carvers and sculptors were able to carve intricate designs several centuries earlier!)
Is it even possible to build something like the Kailasa temple today?
It is unlikely that such a temple could be built today, at least not in the same way. Modern construction techniques and equipment may be able to achieve a similar outcome, but the level of detail and artistry achieved by the ancient builders is difficult to replicate with modern machinery.
Moreover, the Kailasa temple's rock-cut architecture is unique to its time and place, and it represents a particular tradition of Indian architectural style that is not widely practiced today. The building of such an intricate structure would also pose significant logistical and financial challenges in today's world.
Are there any other structures made from a single rock (monolithic) anywhere?
While the Kailasa temple at Ellora is considered one of the most remarkable structures in the world, there are a few other examples of monolithic construction that are comparable in complexity and grandeur.
However, none of them are identical to the Kailasa temple in terms of design or artistic style.
One such example is the Abu Simbel temple complex in Egypt, which was built in the 13th century BC by Pharaoh Ramesses II.
The complex includes two temples, each of which is carved out of a single rock face. The temples are adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures, and their construction required the efforts of thousands of workers.
Another example is the Lycian tombs in Turkey, which were carved out of solid rock in the 4th century BC. The tombs are ornately decorated with sculptural details, and some of them are several stories high.
However, it is worth noting that the Kailasa temple at Ellora is unique in terms of its size, complexity, and artistic style. The sheer scale and level of detail of the temple's carvings make it a truly remarkable achievement in the history of world architecture.
Ajanta Caves
What are the Ajanta Caves?
The Ajanta Caves are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples that were built between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. The caves are carved into the side of a cliff and contain some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art, particularly paintings and sculptures.
Are Ajanta and Ellora the same?
No. They are very different and both are a must see for anyone to admire and appreciate the artwork which is perhaps the most unique in all of the known world.
Read more about the Ellora Caves here.
Where are the Ajanta Caves?
The Ajanta Caves are located in the state of Maharashtra in western India, approximately 107 km north of the city of Aurangabad. The caves are situated in the Sahyadri hills, overlooking the Waghora River.
The most convenient way to reach the Ajanta Caves is by air or train to Aurangabad, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Aurangabad has its own airport, the Aurangabad Airport, which has regular flights to and from Mumbai, Delhi, and other major cities in India.
From Aurangabad, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Ajanta Caves. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
What are the main features of the Ajanta Caves?
The Ajanta Caves are known for their unique and intricate ancient Buddhist art and architecture. Some of the main features of the caves include:
Rock-cut architecture: The Ajanta Caves were carved out of the rocky hillsides using only hand tools. The result is a series of impressive rock-cut structures that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
Paintings: The Ajanta Caves are famous for their exquisite paintings, which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as stories from the Jataka tales. The paintings were created using natural pigments and are considered to be some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art.
Sculptures: The caves are adorned with numerous sculptures of the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, as well as other religious figures and mythological creatures. The sculptures are intricately carved and feature fine details and expressions.
Chaitya halls: The Ajanta Caves include several large halls, known as chaitya halls, which were used for worship and meditation. The halls are carved out of the rock and feature impressive pillars, arches, and decorative motifs.
Viharas: In addition to the chaitya halls, the Ajanta Caves also include several smaller caves, known as viharas, which were used as living quarters for the monks. The viharas feature simple, functional designs with few decorative elements.
Stupas: The caves also include several stupas, which are domed structures that were used to house Buddhist relics. The stupas are elaborately decorated and feature intricate carvings and sculptures.
What is the story behind the Ajanta Caves?
The story behind the Ajanta Caves is one of ancient Indian history, art, and religion. The caves were built over a period of several centuries, beginning in the 2nd century BCE and continuing until the 6th century CE. They were created primarily as a place of worship and meditation for Buddhist monks.
The location of the caves was chosen because of its remote and secluded setting in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, which provided a peaceful and tranquil environment for the monks to practice their faith. Over the years, the caves were expanded and decorated with elaborate carvings, sculptures, and paintings that depicted the life of the Buddha and stories from the Jataka tales.
The caves were used for many years by the Buddhist monks, but they eventually fell into disuse and were abandoned. For centuries, they remained hidden and forgotten, until they were rediscovered by a group of British soldiers in the early 19th century.
Since their rediscovery, the Ajanta Caves have been recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites in India, and they have attracted visitors from around the world who come to marvel at their beauty and learn about the ancient Buddhist culture and history of the region.
What are the paintings about?
The paintings in the caves depict various scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as other religious and secular themes. The sculptures include images of Buddha and other deities, as well as scenes from daily life.
One of the most famous paintings in the Ajanta Caves is the "Bodhisattva Padmapani" painting in Cave 1. This painting depicts the Bodhisattva (enlightened being) Padmapani holding a lotus flower and standing in a graceful pose. The painting is noted for its fine details, such as the delicate folds of the Bodhisattva's robes and the intricate patterns on his crown and jewelry. The painting is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and is a testament to the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the artists who created it.
What is the significance of Ajanta Caves?
The significance of the Ajanta Caves lies in their historical, cultural, and artistic value. The caves are considered to be one of the greatest surviving examples of ancient Indian art and architecture. They also provide important insights into the religious and cultural practices of ancient India, particularly Buddhism.
Are there any unique features that set these apart?
One of the unique features of the Ajanta Caves is their construction. The caves were carved into the side of a horseshoe-shaped cliff, and were excavated by hand using chisels and hammers. The craftsmen who built the caves were skilled in rock-cut architecture and were able to create intricate carvings and sculptures on the cave walls.
Who built the caves?
The Ajanta Caves were built over a period of several centuries, from around the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE.
It is not known exactly who built the Ajanta Caves, as there are no concrete references that tell us who the craftsmen were. However, it is believed that the caves were built over a period of several centuries, between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. It is believed that the caves were created under the patronage of various rulers and patrons of the time, including the Satavahana dynasty, the Vakataka dynasty, and the Chalukya dynasty.
The rest of the cave complex at Ajanta consists of a series of 30 rock-cut caves, which are numbered from 1 to 30. The caves are divided into two phases of construction: the earlier Hinayana phase, which consists of caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A, and the later Mahayana phase, which consists of the remaining caves.
The caves contain a wealth of art and sculpture, including paintings, carvings, and sculptures of Buddhist deities and scenes from Buddhism.
What are the most famous of Ajanta Caves?
The Ajanta Caves are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The caves are famous for their unique and exquisite ancient Buddhist art and architecture, dating back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE.
The most famous caves at Ajanta are:
Cave 1: This is the oldest and largest cave at Ajanta, also known as the Great Chaitya. It is a spectacular rock-cut cave with a large prayer hall and a stupa.
Cave 2: This is another significant cave at Ajanta, also known as the Maharaja's Cave. It features impressive carvings of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as scenes from the Jataka tales.
Cave 4: This cave is famous for its exquisite sculptures of Buddha and the bodhisattvas. It is also known for its magnificent ceiling painting of a Bodhisattva.
Cave 16: This cave is known for its magnificent sculptures and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha, as well as scenes from the Jataka tales.
Cave 17: This cave is known for its impressive paintings of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Cave 19: This cave is known for its exquisite paintings depicting the life of Buddha and scenes from the Jataka tales.
Cave 26: This cave is famous for its large statue of Buddha in the preaching pose.
Cave 29: This cave is known for its unique architectural features, including a horseshoe-shaped facade and an octagonal-shaped interior.
Cave 30: This cave is the smallest at Ajanta, but it features some of the finest paintings in the entire complex.
Cave 6: This cave is significant for its impressive sculptures of Buddha and the bodhisattvas, as well as scenes from the Jataka tales.
Cave 10: This cave is known for its intricate carvings of women and celestial beings, as well as scenes from the life of Buddha.
Ancient Paintings in Ajanta Caves
Read more about the paintings
The paintings in the Ajanta Caves are considered to be one of the greatest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. They were executed in a unique style using natural pigments made from minerals, plants, and other organic materials.
The paintings depict various scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as other religious and secular themes. The themes of the paintings are divided into two categories, Jataka stories and the life of Buddha. The Jataka stories are tales of the Buddha's previous lives, and are depicted in caves 1, 2, 16, and 17. The life of Buddha is depicted in caves 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15A, 16, 17, 19, 24, and 26.
The paintings are executed in a vibrant and colorful style, with a high degree of realism and attention to detail. The artists used shading and perspective to create the illusion of three-dimensional space, and used a range of colors to create a sense of depth and richness.
Some of the most famous paintings in the Ajanta Caves include the "Mahaparinirvana" painting in Cave 26, which depicts the death of Buddha, and the "Temptation of the Buddha" painting in Cave 17, which depicts the Buddha being tempted by Mara, the god of desire.
The paintings in the Ajanta Caves are an important source of information about the religious and cultural practices of ancient India, particularly Buddhism. They provide insights into the beliefs, values, and traditions of the people who lived in ancient India, and are an important cultural and artistic treasure of the country.
What materials were used for the paintings, which lasted for centuries?
Read More about Materials used in the paintings and how old these paintings are
The paintings in the Ajanta Caves were executed using a range of natural pigments made from minerals, plants, and other organic materials. The pigments used include red and yellow ochre, lampblack, copper sulfate, indigo, and lapis lazuli.The paintings in the Ajanta Caves are executed in a distinctive style known as the Ajanta style. This style is characterized by its use of bright colors, a high degree of realism and attention to detail, and a sense of movement and dynamism. The artists used shading and perspective to create the illusion of three-dimensional space, and used a range of colors to create a sense of depth and richness.
It is difficult to estimate the exact age of the paintings in the Ajanta Caves based on the materials used. However, it is believed that the paintings were executed over a period of several centuries, between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. The materials used in the paintings are consistent with the period in which they were executed, and provide important insights into the artistic and cultural practices of ancient India.
Are there similar examples of paintings elsewhere?
Read More about other examples of similar paintings elsewhere
There are examples of ancient paintings from other parts of the world that were executed using similar materials as those used in the Ajanta Caves. For example, ancient Egyptian wall paintings were executed using natural pigments made from minerals, plants, and other organic materials, including red and yellow ochre, copper sulfate, and charcoal. Similarly, ancient Chinese paintings were executed using natural pigments made from plants, minerals, and other organic materials, including indigo, vermilion, and cinnabar.The age of these paintings varies depending on the specific examples. For example, some of the earliest surviving examples of ancient Egyptian wall paintings date back to the 4th millennium BC, while the oldest surviving examples of ancient Chinese paintings date back to the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).
While the materials used in the paintings in the Ajanta Caves are similar to those used in other ancient paintings, the style and content of the Ajanta paintings are unique to India and are an important example of ancient Indian art and culture.
To recap - here are some of the interesting facts about Ajanta Caves:
- The Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India.
- The caves were built in two phases, with the first phase dating back to the 2nd century BCE and the second phase to the 5th century CE.
- The caves are famous for their stunning paintings, which are considered to be some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The paintings depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as other religious and secular subjects.
- The caves were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer named John Smith, who was hunting tigers in the area. He stumbled upon the caves by chance and was struck by their beauty and historical significance.
- The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered to be one of the greatest surviving examples of ancient Indian architecture and art.
- The caves were constructed by skilled artisans who carved the rock surfaces by hand using only chisels and hammers. The intricate carvings and sculptures are a testament to the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Indian artisans.
- The caves were abandoned in the 7th century CE, possibly due to a combination of factors, including the decline of Buddhism in India and political upheaval in the region.
- The Ajanta Caves are also known for their impressive engineering feats, such as the sophisticated water management system that allowed for the collection and distribution of rainwater throughout the complex.
- The caves attract thousands of visitors every year, who come to marvel at their beauty and learn about the rich cultural and religious history of ancient India.
- The Ajanta Caves have been the subject of numerous films, documentaries, and books, and continue to be a source of fascination and inspiration for people around the world.
What you need to know before you visit...
More about Ajanta cave Murals or paintings
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names - a play on the word Hollywood).
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