Ajanta Caves Hardcover - 1998

From the publisher

The exquisite murals and stone sculptures of India's Ajanta caves rank among the world's most important cultural treasures. Dating from the second century B.C. to the sixth century A.D., they provide virtually the only evidence remaining of painting styles that developed in India and swept through Asia with the spread of Buddhism. In his photographs, using long exposures that capture the natural ambient light, Benoy K. Behl re-creates the experience of visiting the caves with an accuracy and detail never before possible.

The Ajanta caves, which lie in a horseshoe-shaped ravine some 200 miles northeast of Bombay were created by early followers of the Buddha who than isolated haven for meditation. Stonecutter carved massive caves out of the rock walls, decorated them with graceful figures, and fashioned beams and rakers in imitation of wooden buildings. Painters worked on elaborate murals depicting the Jatakas (tales of previous incarnations) of the Buddha, princely processions, and fantastical birds and beasts -- all demonstrating the highest degree of sophistication.

Benoy K. Behl, a graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, has made more than 40 documentary films and written articles for newspapers and magazines.