Ajanta Cave : A mystery of Indian Culture

 

Buddha in art: Story from Jataka

 

Introduction:

On the interpretation of Indian culture we see always language, standard of living of rehabilitants but so called many different habituations make distinct as other. In present society fashion is the apex paradigm to recognize the human being and their social setup. But, there is no a perfect vision to examine a personal attitude and cultural indulgent of such person. Now the topic is associated to the Indian Culture-Ajanta cave painting.

On exploring the art form like painting, sculpture, iconography, architecture which are very broad in knowledge and absolutely exposed to dynastical support to save the Indian culture without any obstacles.

The cave number two in Ajanta is very important to the life of Lord Buddha. In this cave painting story of Lord Buddha, depicted on text of Jataka which is the religious evidence so far.  

Origin of second cave paintings:

This cave was built between 500 AD to 550 AD. Some scholars are of the opinion that the paintings were made here in the seventh century as well sand some are in confusion towards the fixation of real period.  The main paintings of this cave include Mahahansa Jataka, Dream of Maya Devi, Birth of Buddha, Miracle of Sravasti, Purnavadan Jataka, Story of Vidura Pandita (The Love Story of Swinging Princess, Purnak and Irandati), Kshantivadi Jataka, Apocalypse, and Begging for Life, Pujaartini Ladies, is the sermon of the golden deer.

 

In the Mahahansa Jataka cave, on the right side, there is a picture of an unknown assembly 'Mahahansa Javak', in which the Bodhisattva in the form of a swan is giving a sermon to the king and queen of Banaras. The queen of Banaras- Khema was bringing to bodhisattva, arresting in court but the bodhisattva was freed at last by the queen. There is a very beautiful marking of interval division in the picture, which seems unique to the eyes.

On the left wall of the cave there are paintings named 'Tushit Swarg', 'Buddha's birth' and 'Maya Devi's dream'.

Maya Devi's dream:

'Maya Devi's dream' is counted among the best paintings.  Below the images of the Buddha birth is the bedroom of Maya Devi, where she is sleeping.  Maya Devi saw a white elephant entering her womb. In this picture, the artist has depicted the story of the dream with the symbol of white round shape or Pratap Punj.

Buddha's birth:

in the picture of Buddha's birth, Mahamaya and Shuddhodhan are shown discussing the dream.  There are maids and servants standing around him, whose body language is beautiful.  There are two Brahmins in front.

Ramani with two left thumbs:

On the right side similar to Mahamaya, on one side there is a grand figure of a Ramani adorned with gems and jewels on the support of a pillar, whose left leg is naturally bent like a soft table and rests on the pillar and the upper part of the body rests on the pillar Adjacent.  The neck is slightly bowed.  Shri Raikrishna Das' has considered this figure as 'Mahaprajapati Devi', the lady of Rajkul, 'Vimata of Lord Buddha'.  In this picture the painter has mistakenly made the toes of both feet identical, due to which this figure is also known as 'The lady with two left toes'.

Tushit Swarg:

In this picture, Lord Buddha is depicted in a grand form sitting on the throne of heaven. One of his hands is in Dharmachakra Mudra and there is Prabha Punj around the face circle. On both sides of them are painted Makara and beautiful writings, Lord Buddha’s gaze are contemplative. The figures of the deities standing nearby are looking at him with respect. There is a beautiful marking of the postures and body language of the figures in the picture.

In the next scene Maya Devi is shown standing in the grove holding the branch of the Shaal tree. Indra has taken the newborn baby. Indra is depicted wearing a square cap with three eyes. There is a crowd of beggars outside the garden whose big 'living illustration.

Apocalypse:

In this cave an old monk is standing with the support of wood. His left hand rests on his chin in a gesture of worry and his right hand moves around as if everything is lost. Expressing the message everything is false. Immeasurable experience, depression, helplessness are being expressed in his eyes and facial expressions. The picture is expressing everything even though it is silent.

Kshantivadi Jataka:

This picture of pleading for mercy is also one of the excellent paintings of this cave. Kshantivadi means one who preaches forgiveness. According to the Jataka tales, once a Bodhisattva took birth as a hermit named Kshantivadi. He went to the forest where Kshantivadi resided, accompanied by the king, queens and dancers of this region, to play in the garden. When the king fell asleep, all the women of Kashiraj's inner city went to listen to his sermon. On waking up, the king, finding him alone, ordered the killing of the hermit and the dancer. In the depicted scene, a long-time king is sitting on the throne with a khadag (sword) in his hand.  Sensual woman (a dancer) lying at his feet begging for forgiveness. The footsteps of death are clearly heard in the body of the dancer. The shape and line flow of her whole body has become such, as if she herself wants to imbibe herself in the land. The formability and softness of the body has been portrayed beautifully by taking a shadow in the roundness of the back of the woman bowing down at the feet.

Among the women around, some women are trembling with fear, while some hide their faces in worry, while some want to run away. The courtiers sitting around are also afraid of the king's anger.

Story of Vidur Pandit Jataka:

Here in the scene of Vidur Pandit's ride, there is a very dynamic depiction of foot soldiers carrying horses and naked swords.

Prem Katha of Purnak Irandvati: On the right side of the cave there is a depiction of 'The love story of Purnak Irandvati' (the swinging princess). There is a picture of Princess Irandavati swinging on a swing in the garden. The intoxicating youth of the princess (in which there is ferocity, virginity and beauty) and the dreamy expression of the eyes are well depicted. He has caught the rope very naturally. The impression of motion has been given by giving some roundness to the rope.