How many cave in Ajanta

The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are a collection of ancient Buddhist cave temples. These caves are renowned for their magnificent rock-cut architecture and exquisite paintings. The exact number of caves in Ajanta is a subject of debate among scholars and experts.

There are a total of 30 rock-cut caves in Ajanta, which are divided into two phases – the earlier Hinayana phase and the later Mahayana phase. The Hinayana phase consists of caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A, while the Mahayana phase includes caves 1-8, 11, 14-29, and cave 30 which is a chaitya-griha or prayer hall.

Out of the 30 caves, five are chaityas (prayer halls) and the rest are viharas (monasteries). These caves were carved out of the volcanic basalt rock cliffs during the Satavahana dynasty around the 2nd century BCE. They were used by Buddhist monks as retreats and places for meditation.

The Ajanta Caves are famous for their stunning mural paintings that depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. These paintings showcase exceptional artistic skills and offer insights into Buddhist philosophy and culture.

The caves have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and attract tourists from all over the world. Visitors can explore the intricate architecture, marvel at the detailed paintings, and experience the spiritual ambiance that pervades these ancient caves.

In conclusion, there are a total of 30 rock-cut caves in Ajanta, Maharashtra. These caves were created during the Satavahana dynasty and are divided into two phases – Hinayana and Mahayana. The Ajanta Caves are known for their beautiful paintings depicting Buddhist themes and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.