The Rock-cut Temples of India/The Caves of Ajunta/The Oldest Chaitya Cave at Ajunta
THE OLDEST CHAITYA CAVE AT AJUNTA.
THE façade of (No. 9), the smaller of the two old Chaitya Caves, shows tolerably clearly the imitation of wooden forms in this style of architecture, as it came into use before the Christian Era.
Within the great arch, on either side, are two upright posts, on which the two principal rafters rest. The broken end of one of these is seen on the right. Below, five smaller are placed horizontally, and between the two principals, seven are arranged perpendicularly.
The great flat ogee was probably originally painted, and represents a sort of barge board terminating the gable. It probably assumed this form because it was necessary to have a ridge to the roof to throw off the rain.
On the face of the rib lining the interior of the arch may be seen the incised footings into which a wooden framework was inserted, partially closing the great arch. Its form may be seen copied in the niches below.
To the left is some sculpture of much more modern date, but from the head of the principal figure having been destroyed, it is difficult to make out whom it represents. The dimensions of this Cave internally are 45 ft. by 23 ft.