I read this book The Ajanta Caves as part of my readings for the Indian Art and Culture course that I am currently pursuing at the National Museum Institute. I stumbled upon this beautiful book in a library. While looking for books that explain the paintings at Ajanta and as a layperson. I could not have asked for more.
Low light photography of the Caves Ancient Paintings
Author Benoy K Behl is a photographer who specializes in low light photography. He began the project of photographing the paintings of Ajanta that exist in the dark caves. These paintings had not been photographed until then. As the use of artificial lights was not permitted in order to preserve whatever remains of the paintings. So to begin with it was just a photography project. Maybe a challenging one for him. But as it happens, once you look at those masterpieces both in sculpture and in paintings, you cannot but be impacted for life. The centuries-old art can still speak to you. And convey the message of compassion that Buddha stands for.
Stories in paintings
Author partnered with Sangitika Nigam to chronicle the various Jatakas that are painted on the walls of Ajanta caves. Especially those in caves 1,2,16 & 17. There is a beautiful interplay of colorful painting or their photographs to be technically correct and the text written by Sangitika. It takes you through the story of the Jataka. And then explains each scene from that story that has been painted. The book also goes on to explain the painting through its various elements. Like the people depicted, the animals painted and their significance, the foliage painted.
She makes a special mention of the garments and ornaments worn by the figures in the paintings. And the fact that we still continue to use those patterns and designs. This is a remarkable observation as this tells us about the longevity and continuity of our traditions. The stories are concise. And the scenes have been explained very well. Sometimes, some parts of the scene depicted have yet not been deciphered. And the author honestly mentions the same.
Buddha’s life and ornamental designs
The paintings other than Jatakas, like the scenes from Buddha’s life and ornamental designs on the ceilings are also well captured and explained. It is unfortunate that most of these paintings are in a dilapidated state. For if they were preserved well, what masterpieces they would have been. And how much more we would know about our heritage.
For someone who has visited the caves would immediately be able to identify with all the paintings mentioned here. someone who has not been there, these pictures and stories would inspire them to make a trip to the world heritage site. If you are planning to visit the place, I would recommend reading this book before going. You would get far more out of your trip.
Its nice to follow your blog. AS I am from Aurangabad, Maharashtra & Ajanta caves are located nearby, I got dragged away by your post.
Addition to that I am also reading freak so I just wait along for your book reviews & collection.
Keep Going Anuradha! Way to go ahead..
Ajanta caves very nice content