The Rock-cut Temples of India/The Caves of Ajunta/Exterior, Cave No. 2—Ajunta

EXTERIOR, CAVE No. 2.—AJUNTA.


THE second Cave from the north end is a twelve-pillared Vihara, of which is given a plan at page xviii. It is in very good preservation, and the paintings, particularly on the pillars, are tolerably perfect. In the sanctuary there is a statue, of course of Buddha, and there is a chapel on each side of it, at the end of the aisles. In the one on the north are two most portly, fat figures, a male and female; in the south one, two male figures occupying a like position. Who they were meant to represent is by no means clear.


Though the dimensions of its hall are only 48 ft. square, and its age very modern (ninth or tenth century probably), it is as complete an example of a perfect Vihara as any existing in Ajunta or elsewhere.