Ajanta
Loading map…
Overview
Ajanta in Maharashtra is a group of Buddhist rock-cut caves famous for their murals, made between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th–6th century CE. The caves include chaityas and viharas (monasteries).
Some of the paintings belong to the Gupta period, and Ajanta is one of India's World Heritage Sites, often listed with the Taj Mahal, Ellora, Hampi and Kaziranga.
Geography and key facts
- Buddhist caves with chaityas and viharas
- Murals from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th–6th century CE
- Some paintings date to the Gupta period
- World Heritage Site in Maharashtra
Why it matters for UPSC
A frequent art-and-culture question: the Bodhisattva Padmapani painting (2017), what Ajanta and Mahabalipuram share (2016), Gupta-period cave paintings (2010) and the river gorge in which the caves lie (2021).
Note for UPSC
Maharashtra; Buddhist caves and murals.
Expect questions linking sites with events in the Buddha's life and later Buddhist history.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 2021 · Q49Which one of the following statements is correct?…
- UPSC Prelims 2017 · Q69The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at…
- UPSC Prelims 2016 · Q65What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? Select the correct answer using the code given below.…
- UPSC Prelims 2014 · Q85With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs : Famous work of sculpture Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?…
- UPSC Prelims 2013 · Q57Consider the following historical places : Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?…
- UPSC Prelims 2010 · Q55There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example …
- UPSC Prelims 2001 · Q87Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Ajanta.
Key facts
- Type
- Buddhist site
- State / UT
- Maharashtra
- Coordinates
- 20.553°N, 75.700°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 7 questions · 2021, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2001
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Mauryas, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms and the Guptas
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage
- Buddhism: Life of the Buddha, Teachings, Councils and Spread
- Post-Mauryan India: Shungas, Satavahanas, Indo-Greeks, Shakas and Kushanas
- The Gupta Age and Harsha: Polity, Society, Science and Culture