The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are related to which of the following religions? 

The correct answer is Buddhism.

Key Points

• The Ajanta Caves are located in Maharashtra and were built during the period between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE.
• The paintings and sculptures found in the Ajanta Caves are primarily related to Buddhism, depicting the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.
• The caves are renowned for their intricate frescoes, murals, and carvings, showcasing scenes from the Jataka tales, which narrate stories of Buddha's previous lives.
• Ajanta Caves served as a monastic retreat for Buddhist monks and were used for meditation, study, and the propagation of Buddhist principles.
• The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Indian art and architecture.

Additional Information

• Buddhism:
  • Buddhism is a spiritual tradition founded by Gautama Buddha in the 5th-6th century BCE in India.
  • It emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to achieve liberation from suffering and attain Nirvana.
  • The religion spread across Asia and influenced art, culture, and philosophy in regions like China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
• Jataka Tales:
  • Jataka tales are a collection of stories about the previous lives of Buddha, illustrating moral and ethical lessons.
  • These stories are a prominent feature in Buddhist art, including the murals of the Ajanta Caves.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site:
  • Ajanta Caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
  • Such sites are recognized for their cultural, historical, or scientific significance and are protected under international conventions.
• Architectural Features of Ajanta Caves:
  • The caves include monasteries (Viharas) and prayer halls (Chaityas), carved into the rock face.
  • The murals display advanced techniques of shading, perspective, and naturalistic representations of figures.