Present Condition

In spite of the fact that a large number of scholars explored the significance of Ajanta, it is still fathomless due to its boundless scope for investigation and inquiry. An interminable and immortal work, it provides internal space to rummage and research.

The condition of the famous Buddhist cave paintings has visibly deteriorated over the years and even though the caves - one of the world's oldest monasteries - have now been put on the world heritage list, the historic works of ancient Indian art are being starved of the expert attention they urgently require.

The biggest threat to these ethereal cave paintings - which date over various centuries from the second century onwards - comes from gawking visitors. The 22 isolated caves, situated near the modern - day city of Aurangabad, were originally inhabited by the handful of Buddhist monks who created the paintings. But since 1819, when the caves were accidentally discovered by a British soldier from the Madras army, a flood of people has invaded their serenity.