The Second Wave of Buddhist Rock-Cut Cave Construction: The Golden Age of Ajanta and Ellora
The 5th and 6th centuries CE saw a revival of Buddhist rock-cut cave construction in Western India. This period, which is often referred to as the “second wave,” was marked by the creation of some of the most magnificent and sophisticated cave temples in the world, most notably at Ajanta and Ellora.
The Vakataka Patronage at Ajanta
The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist temples carved into the side of a gorge in the Sahyadri mountains. While the earliest caves at Ajanta date back to the 2nd or 1st century BCE, the most magnificent and well-preserved caves were created during the reign of the Vakataka king Harisena, between 460 and 478 CE.
The caves at Ajanta are renowned for their exquisite paintings, which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales. They are also home to a profuse variety of decorative sculpture, intricately carved columns, and carved reliefs.
The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism
The second wave of cave construction coincided with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, which placed a greater emphasis on the worship of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. This is reflected in the art and architecture of the later caves at Ajanta, which feature large and elaborate statues of these figures.
The Ellora Caves: A Meeting of Faiths
The Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a group of 34 rock-cut caves that were created between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. Unlike Ajanta, which is exclusively Buddhist, Ellora is a meeting place of three great Indian religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
The Buddhist caves at Ellora are some of the finest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. They are larger and more elaborate than the earlier caves at Ajanta, and they feature a number of innovative architectural features, such as multi-storied viharas (monasteries).
The End of an Era
The second wave of Buddhist rock-cut cave construction came to an end in the 7th century CE, as Hinduism began to replace Buddhism as the dominant religion in the subcontinent. However, the legacy of this period lives on in the magnificent cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora, which continue to inspire and awe visitors from around the world.