The first of the Buddhist cave monuments…

The first of the Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta, in India’s north Deccan, date from the second and first centuries BCE.

During the fifth century, many more richly decorated caves are added to the original group, their magnificent paintings epitomizing Gupta patronage.

The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, are to have a considerable artistic influence.

India’s monumental Buddhist stupas of the period draw upon Central Asian and Chinese styles.