21 101 2 X The valley is watered by the Waghora river which enters in a series of waterfalls
22 101 2 X Most of the caves were excavated in the 5th and early 6th centuries AD. Their painted walls and ceilings are among the finest of India's art treasures. Rock-cut staircases gave each cave access to the Waghora river flowing through the foot of the valley.
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31 101 3 X Side chapels flanked by cells
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5 102 4 C Attendant left of window
6 102 4 D Attendant right of window
7 102 4 B Buddha figures left of door
8 102 4 A Standing Buddha within a stupa
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10 101 4 E Late 5th century shrine. Facade of chaitya hall (shrine).Horseshoe arch like that on contemporary free-standing temples.
11 102 5 B A stupa, the main object of worship in this shrine. At the top are three umbrellas, a symbol of royalty or honour.
12 102 5 A Diagonally fluted columns support projecting brackets in the form of musicians and hermits. Above are decorations depicting Buddhas and painted floral ceiling panels whose painted lattice imitates wooden beams.
-1 101 1 Z The spectacular horseshoe shaped valley of Ajanta in central India housed one of India's major Buddhist monastic communities in cave temples and monasteries carved into the steep hillside. The secluded valley provided a perfect environment for the life of contemplation followed by Buddhist monks. Rediscovered by Indian army officers in the early 19th century, the caves have attracted enthusiastic visitors ever since.
