The Magnificence Caves of Ajanta in Maharashtra

 Hidden within the lush expanse of Maharashtra, India, lie the Ajanta Caves—an architectural marvel that has captivated the hearts and minds of wanderers and art enthusiasts for centuries. Nestled amidst the Sahyadri Hills, these ancient caves unveil a breathtaking testament to India's rich cultural heritage. Carved meticulously into the rocky façade, the Ajanta Caves showcase the splendor of ancient Indian art and serve as a sanctuary for historical preservation. Ajanta Caves

 

Stepping into the Ajanta Caves is akin to stepping back in time, as these remarkable creations date back to the 2nd century BCE. The caves, comprising thirty rock-cut monuments, were hidden from the world for many centuries until their rediscovery in the early 19th century. The intricate workmanship found within the caves depicts the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, showcasing an artistic journey of immense historical significance.

 Each cave at Ajanta exudes a unique aura, reflecting the artistic expertise and spiritual devotion of its creators. The elaborate carvings, meticulous sculptures, and vibrant murals adorning the cave walls transport visitors to a bygone era. These masterpieces illustrate the various stages of Buddha's life, his previous incarnations, and scenes from Jataka tales, captivating the imagination with their rich narratives and vibrant symbolism.

 The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their magnificent frescoes, which have stood the test of time remarkably well. These ancient paintings, executed using natural pigments, continue to display their original brilliance even after centuries of exposure to the elements. The frescoes depict celestial beings, mythical creatures, and everyday life in ancient India, offering a vivid glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the era. Delicate brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes convey a sense of ethereal beauty that resonates deeply with visitors.

 Apart from their artistic allure, the Ajanta Caves also serve as a treasure trove of historical insights. The inscriptions found within the caves provide valuable information about the artists, their patrons, and the socio-religious context of the time. These epigraphic records offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics of ancient Indian society and shed light on the patronage and propagation of Buddhism during that era.

 The caves are divided into two distinct phases—Satavahana and Vakataka—with each phase bearing its own distinctive architectural style. The earlier caves, built during the Satavahana period, feature a simple and austere design, while the later Vakataka caves exhibit a more elaborate and ornate style. This contrast allows visitors to observe the evolution of architectural techniques and artistic expression over time, adding another layer of intrigue to the Ajanta Caves' historical significance. World Heritage Monuments in West India

 Today, the Ajanta Caves stand as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to their universal value and profound cultural importance. Despite the passage of centuries, they continue to inspire awe and wonder, drawing visitors from across the globe to marvel at their artistic grandeur. The Indian government, in collaboration with international organizations, has taken great strides to preserve and protect this invaluable heritage, ensuring that future generations can also appreciate the splendor of the Ajanta Caves.

Lenyadri caves of Junnar in Pune district are another noteworthy caves in Maharashtra, apart from Ajanta Caves. These are ancient caves that contain ancient Buddhist painting and sculptures.

 To visit the Ajanta Caves is to embark on a transformative journey—an exploration of the artistic achievements and spiritual legacy of ancient India. With each step deeper into the caves, visitors traverse the corridors of time, immersed in the stories woven on the walls. The Ajanta Caves stand as a testament to the ingenuity and creative brilliance of humanity, reminding us of the enduring power of art to transcend time and connect us to our shared past.

Ancient Buddhist Cuisine

  

Ancient Buddhist Cuisines mainly includes variety of rice preparations, dairy products and meat preparations along with sweets, salts and spices, oils and oilseeds and fruits and vegetables. Rice remained a major cereal of Indian Cuisine which was also included within the ancient Buddhist cuisine. Buddhist cuisine include all the cereals and pulses which were largely available in India along with the dairy products, meat preparations and beverages which were common in all the genres of ancient India.

Division of Ancient Buddhist Cuisine
Ancient Buddhist cuisine was mainly divided into four categories. They were divided into Soft Food such as boiled rice, Hard Food such as roots and fruits, Beverages and Replenishable Articles.

Rice in Ancient Buddhist Cuisine Ancient Buddhist Cuisine included Rice which formed one of the staple foods of northern India. As mentioned in Ancient Buddhist Cuisine, rice included both varieties of ‘Virhi’ which was the common form of rice along with ‘Sali’ which was a fine form of variety. Along with this, there were three more types of rice namely Raktasali, Kamalasali and Mahasali which was mentioned in the Buddhist text on food. The Buddhist text narrates number of ways in which rice was cooked with some choicest flavours. Usually, boiled rice was preferred by the Buddhist along with other preparations. Next to boiled rice, the favourite preparation of rice was a gruel which is highly praised in the Buddhist works.

Pulses in Ancient Buddhist Cuisine
Buddhist text also mentions some of the most popular pulses that were cultivated in India. These include pulses like Moong, masura, masa, kulattha and kaldya or peas which was consumed with great choice. Among the common cuisines the Buddhist preferred soup which was taken with round fried pulse balls.

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Indian Buddhist Festivals

  

The numerous Buddhist festivals and ceremonies mirror the importance of the religion. Every festival in Buddhism is marked by an important event either in the life of the Buddha as well as the bodhisattvas. While some of these have their origin in the Theravada sect the other festivals and ceremonies are closely associated with Mahayana School.

Buddhist New Year: For consecutive three days the Buddhist New Year is celebrated in the Buddhist countries that adhere to the Theravada school. Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos celebrate the New Year with a lot enthusiasm. It is celebrated in the first full moon day in April.

Loy Krathong : It is also known as the Festival of Floating Bowls. It is observed on the full moon night of the 12th Lunar month. Traditionally it was celebrated to pay homage to the footprints of the Buddha. People used to travel to the Narmada River in India. Today, however, it signifies the eradication of omen. The Buddhist followers carry flowers in bowls made of leaves, incense sticks and candles. They then float these bowls in the river. As the bowl disappears with the waves it is said to take away all the bad luck.

The Ploughing Festival: It is mainly held to ensure good yield of crops. The white oxen that pull the plough are offered rice, beans, maize, hay and water. This festival marks Buddha's attainment of the first level of Jhana just at the age of seven. That day too an annual ploughing festival was being held in King Suddhodana's kingdom. Till date the tradition continues with the Buddhist followers.

The Festival of the Tooth : One of the relics of Buddha, his tooth is kept, is a small hill of Sri Lanka. Here a temple has been built. Though the relic is not for public view but every year a procession is organized on the full moon night in August.

Ulambana : It is also known as the Ancestor Day. In the Mahayana tradition it is believed that the gates of hell are opened on the first day of the 8th lunar month. The ghosts are free to visit the human abode for the next 15 days. To relieve from their pain and sufferings food is offered to these spirits. The 15th day is celebrated as Ulambana. On this the people visit the cemetery, make offerings and pry for the departed souls.

Avalokiteshvara's Birthday : Avalokitesvara is one of the most well known bodhisattvas in Buddhism. As a result his birthday is celebrated with a lot of fervor. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day in March.

Pavarana Day: The celebrations of the Asalha Puja Day come to an end on this day. This is the interaction day for the monks in the monasteries. They point out each other's vices as well as virtues. The origin for celebrating this day is steeped in legends. When the monks took shelter from the rain they avoided talking to each other to avoid conflict. Buddha, however, disapproved of such a silence and ordered the monks to interact amongst themselves. From that day this festival is still celebrated.

Kathina Ceremony or Robe Offering Ceremony: This festival too is celebrated during the rain retreat. On this day the common people offer new robes to the Buddhist monks.

Anapanasati Day : At the end of the three months retreat Buddha was so impressed by the monks that he requested them to stay back for another month. On the full moon day of the fourth month he delivered his doctrine on Anapanasati or the mindfulness of breathing.

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Monasteries of Sikkim

  

Monasteries of Sikkim are popular place of worship for the Buddhist monks who reside in Sikkim. These monasteries mainly follow the Nyingma and Kagyu order of Buddhism. There are about 200 big and small monasteries which not only depict the cultural heritage and life style of Buddhists in Sikkim but also preach the ancient rituals of Buddhism. These are mainly established by the well known and most revered monks who lay the foundation of these monasteries.

Monasteries of Sikkim are mainly known for upholding the tradition folk culture through the monk dances and mask dances that take place according to the calendar of ancient Tibet. Decorated with frescos of Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade fabric are some of the most colourful sites in Sikkim. Established during the 17th and 18th century these monasteries are mainly known for their architecture as well as their religious practices.

Different Monasteries of Sikkim
Monasteries of Sikkim mainly follow the Nyingma and Kadyug order. This relates Sikkim with ancient Tibet. Among these Nyingma is among the four ancient Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Following are the popular monasteries of Sikkim:

Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery is one of the major and most significant monasteries in Asia which is situated next to the capital city of Gangtok. It is the best model of Tibetan architecture in India.

Tashiding Monastery: The Monastery is part of Buddhist spiritual pilgrimage journey in Sikkim. Tashiding Monastery is the most stunning Monastery of North East India, located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River.

Enchey Gompa: The monastery has a big assortment of masks and Cham dance festival celebrates here each year. Enchey Monastery is one of the olden religious sites of the Buddhists in the state of Sikkim which was built around the then small hamlet of Gangtok.

Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery is also called as Yuksom Monastery, situated in the Geyzing part. Yuksom Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and strongly linked to the founding of the State.

Pemayangtse Monastery: The monastery is located at a height of 2085m and offers wonderful panoramic view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains and Kanchenjunga peak. Pemayangtse Monastery is situated on a hill top near Pelling and one of the foremost monasteries of Sikkim.

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Buddhist Monasteries in India

  

Buddhist Monasteries in India are the manifestations of the religion that originated in India. Buddhist Monasteries are considered to be one of the most holy and sacred places in the country. Every year, millions of people from all corners of the world throng to these monasteries in search of eternal peace.

History of Buddhist Monasteries in India
The history of Buddhist Monasteries dates back to the era of king Ashoka. Getting converted into Buddhism, Emperor Ashoka laid the foundation of Buddhist Monasteries and stupas. The very first Buddhist Monastery in India was built in the western parts of the country. The Buddhist Monasteries were primarily used as seats of worship and also for religious teachings.

Architecture of Buddhist Monasteries in India
The Buddhist form of architecture had originated during the reign of Ashoka. Buddhist Monasteries and stupas built by the king bears testimony to the Buddhist philosophy and ideals. It has been seen that the Buddhist Monasteries in India bear close resemblance to the Hindu styles and ways. The monasteries were built within cave structures and the entrance of the cave led to a large open space where the worshippers could sit and worship the stupa or statue of Lord Buddha. Sometimes the stupa of Lord Buddha was also kept in a separate room similar to the pattern of Garbhagriha in Hindu temples.

The common trend among the Hinayana Buddhists was to build a temple in a secluded region by cutting out walls in mountains. On the other hand the Mahayana Buddhists were more adventurous in nature because they tried to build temples out of a single piece of stone. For example; Ajanta Cave and Ellora Cave, Karla Caves in Maharashtra, etc.

Various Buddhist Monasteries in India
The Buddhist Monasteries spread far and wide in the country. These monasteries located in the northern or eastern part of India are extremely popular; some of them also depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. Some of them are as follows:

Hemis Monastery: Hemis Monastery is the largest and is also considered to be the wealthiest monastery in the Ladakh region. The king of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal reconstructed this monastery in 1672.

Tabo Monastery: Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in India; Rinchen Sangpo laid the foundation of this monastery in India in 996 AD. Most of the parts of the monastery are filled with paintings including walls and ceilings.

Ghum Monastery: Ghum Monastery is situated at the hill regions of Eastern Himalaya range in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Ghum Monastery is also known as Yogachoeling Gompa and is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery and one of the largest in the state.

Namgyal Monastery: This Buddhist monastery is found by the third Dalai Lama himself, which makes it the most religiously significant Buddhist monasteries of India. The monastery has one more monastery within its premises, along with temples and learning institutions.

Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery of Sikkim serves as a home to a number of monks where the monks practice their religious customs. Apart from the religious rituals the monasteries also comprises an Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies and a Golden Stupa.

Tawang Monastery: Tawang Monastery is the largest Monastery in India, located in the Tawang Town of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the biggest Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in India and in the world too.

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Buddhist Cave Temples In India

  

There are more than 1,500 known rock cut structures in India, out of which about 1000 were made by Buddhists, 300 by Hindus and 200 by Jains. Many of these structures contain works of art of global importance, and many later caves from the Mahayana period are adorned with exquisite stone carvings. These ancient and medieval structures represent significant achievements of structural engineering and craftsmanship.

History of Buddhist Cave Temples
Buddhist Cave Temples in India are rampant and bear the bygone flavours of Buddhism. The earliest Buddhist Cave Temples belong to the period of Ashoka, who is said to be the founder of Viharas or monasteries, stupas or dagobas, asylums and other religious charitable works. The cave temples belonging to the age of Ashoka are mostly situated in Nagarjuni and Barabar Hills in Bihar. Of these chambers, four are on the Barabar hill and three on the Nagarjuni hill.

Buddhist Cave Temples have been classified into two distinct groups, as these belong to two great dimension of the Buddhist faith. To the first group belong those cave temples, which were excavated, so far as can be judged from style and inscriptions before the Christian era or during the first century. These belong to the Hinayana sect, or "lesser vehicle", or the original form of Buddhism. The cave temples of the second period belong to the Mahayana Buddhism, or the "Great Vehicle". The caves belonging to this sect are much less numerous.

Architecture of Buddhist Cave Temples
The ancient temple and intricate sculptures of Karla caves are mesmerizing. Karla and Bhaja rock-cut caves, sited near Lonavala in Maharashtra, are perfect examples of Buddhist cave Architecture in India. The history of these caves dated back to 2nd century BC. The beautiful interiors and the intricate sculptures of humans, Buddha and animals are fascinating. Moreover, these caves are remarkably well-adapted to Indian seasons as these are cozy in winter and cool in summer. The best feature of these caves is that they have a hemispherical 'sun window' that sieves light towards Stupa or Dagoba sheltered by an engraved wooden umbrella.

There is also a sculpture of Buddha seated on a lion-supported throne preaching his disciples. The sculpture also has splendid carvings of three elephants. Buddhist architecture consists of Rock cut caves, Viharas (Residential quarters for Monks), Stupas, Chaityas or Chaityagriha (assembly halls with a stupa), and Sangharamas (Buddhist monastery and school) etc.

Famous Buddhist Cave Temples
The earliest caves employed by humans were natural caves used by local inhabitants for a variety of purposes, such as shrines and shelters. Evidence suggests that the caves were first occupied and slightly altered during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods, up to about 6000 BC.

Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form.

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Ancient Indian Cities

  

Ancient Indian Cities reveal facts about the different civilisations of the country. The mode of daily life, customs, cultures, celebrations, festivals, religious observances, caste system, sports activities, education and position of women, architecture or any other possible facet of the past can be studied through the ancient Indian cities. Indeed, it can also be comprehended that most of the contemporary Indian cultural refinement has been heavily borrowed and inspired form these ancient Indian cities. The Indus valley Civilisation, with their huge cultural wonders, was primarily based upon the cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Ancient cities in India are known for their distinctive cultural ethos, with the populace known to have been much civilized and for their well structured societies.

Features of Ancient Indian Cities
Ancient cities of India possess well-planned streets, art of pottery, drainage ditches, bulky granaries and large bath sources for ritual cleansing. Constructed on a raised platform, most of the major buildings were made from brick. There existed small, two-room structures to enormous two-storied houses with courtyards. The history of ancient cities and civilisations in India is of the ages or eras in the evolution of Indian history generally, commencing from pre-historic era to the colonial era of modern India. The history of ancient civilisation of India can be traced back to the Bronze Age, beginning from 3300 to 1300 BCE, which had disseminated and prospered in the north western part of Indian subcontinent.

Ancient Indian Cities in Medieval Era
Ancient Indian cities have been described to belong to that bunch, which had existed before the arrival of Islam into India, precisely prior to the 8th century. Ancient Indian cities bearing depict and represent the vast and diversified culture of India. From archaeological and repeated historical accounts, it can be comprehended that there did exist an astounding number of ancient cities, each bearing its distinctive quality. The most intriguing fact about these ancient cities is that they have remained the same with slight dash of modernism.

Ancient Cities in Modern India
Some of the modern Indian cities have verily grown upon the ruins of the ancient cities in India. While on the wetlands, these modern cities grew up and fell these ancient cities as a desolate place. These are now the part of architectural heritage.

Aror
Aror is located 8 kilometres east of Rohri in present day Sindh, Pakistan. It had served as the ancient capital of Sindh and was once located on the banks of Indus River. The city was once the prime nucleus centre of commerce and trade. The main languages spoken by the people are Hindi language, Urdu language, Punjabi language and Sindhi language and the religion followed wereHinduism, Islam and Sikhism.

Kannauj
Kannauj was one of the most beautiful ancient cities in India that was ruled by different rulers. The city was described as a city which raised its head to the skies and which in strength and beauty might boast of being unrivalled. Kannauj has incessantly served as a place of immense historical significance. The city had, much later, become a new district of the Uttar Pradesh on September 18th, 1997.

Bairat
Bairat is a much celebrated and momentous town in the northern Jaipur of Rajasthan. It is located 52 kilometres north of Jaipur and 66 kilometres west of Alwar.

Kalibangan
Kalibangan is a town situated in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The town is precisely located upon the banks of Ghaggar River. This ancient city of India has been considered as the third important city amongst all the excavated Harappan sites, under theIndus valley civilization. The city had received its name from the innumerable pieces of terracotta bangles that were excavated here.

Sravasti
Sravasti is an exceedingly substantial Buddhist religious and research centre, located in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh.

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