Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
when they're full, with drop-off outside the bus stand in Aurangabad (?60). A full-day
autorickshaw tour to Ellora, with stops en route, costs ?600; taxis charge around ?1100.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ajanta
02438
Fiercely guarding its horde of priceless artistic treasures from another era, the Buddhist
caves of Ajanta, 105km northeast of Aurangabad, could well be called the Louvre of an-
cient India. Much older than Ellora, its venerable twin in the World Heritage Sites listings,
these secluded caves date from around the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD and
were among the earliest monastic institutions to be constructed in the country. Ironically,
it was Ellora's rise that brought about Ajanta's downfall, and historians believe the site
was abandoned once the focus had shifted to the newly built caves of Ellora. Upon being
deserted, the caves were soon reclaimed by wilderness and remained forgotten until 1819,
when a British hunting party led by officer John Smith stumbled upon them purely by
chance.
The primary reason to visit Ajanta is to admire its renowned 'frescoes', actually tem-
peras, which adorn many of the caves' interiors. With few other examples from ancient
times matching their artistic excellence and fine execution, these paintings are of un-
fathomable heritage value. It's believed that the natural pigments for these paintings were
mixed with animal glue and vegetable gum to bind them to the dry surface. Many caves
have small, crater-like holes in their floors, which acted as palettes during paint jobs.
Despite their age, the paintings in most caves remain finely preserved today, and many
attribute it to their relative isolation from humanity for centuries. However, it would be a
tad optimistic to say that decay hasn't set in.
Authorised guides are available to show you around for ?600.
