| These caves were
carved out long, long ago. Buddhist monks came here to meditate. For a long time no, one knew about these caves.
About 150 years ago, a British military officer saw them by
chance.He told others. Many scholars and artists from other countries came and saw them.
They were charmed by all that they saw. They copied the paintings and sculptures. They
showed them to others.Thus the whole world came to know about these ancient treasures of
art.
These caves are of two kinds: Chaityas or temples and Viharas
or places for the monks to live in. There are five Chaitya halls and four Viharas.
The life of the Buddha is depicted in the paintings on the
walls of Viharas. Even the ceilings have paintings on them. There are Pillars carrying the
Dharma Chakra. Four lions support the Chakra. |
