Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today, we’re journeying into the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the rugged Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra. Carved into a horseshoe-shaped gorge along the Waghora River, these rock-cut caves, dating back over two millennia, are a sanctuary of art, devotion, and storytelling. Within their stone-carved facades lie timeless murals, intricate sculptures, and monastic cells that once echoed with chants of Buddhist monks. Beyond their artistic grandeur, the caves embody a living archive of faith and imagination, where every wall still whispers the rhythm of meditation, ritual, and ancient creativity.

We are delighted to have Professor Seema Bawa, a renowned Art Historian who teaches at the University of Delhi. She has authored numerous books on Ancient Indian Art and religious art. Prof. Bawa brings to the table a wide array of experience in reading the ancient cave art and uncovering the beauty of these heritage sites. In this episode, she will guide us through the scenic landcsape of the Sahyadri hills and introduce us to the importance of this landscape for the Buddhist monks. Reading through the Pali cannon and understanding the majectic structures inside the cave, this episode will delve into the arrangement of the Buddhist monastic order which reflects in Ajanta.

Explore visuals from today's episode- https://www.p4panorama.com/360-virtual-tour/ajanta-caves/

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