Government of IndiaaCave 17
3D
Floorplan
Cave Exterior
Cave Interior
Cave type
Measuring 64 feet by 63 feet, this Vihāra along with a water cistern and a Caityagrḥa is part of a large cave complex. Cave 17 has a porch, main hall, cells, antechamber and a shrine. The cave is famous for having the best-preserved paintings at Ajanta.
Period
From the Later period, this cave ushered in Royal patronage at Ajanta.
Elements
The cave is known for its paintings which cover every part of the interior. Just on the front aisle 11 stories are painted. The main narratives are Viśvantara Jātaka and Siṃhala Avadāna.
Patron
The patron of this cave is referred to as 'Dharādipa' who in the inscription states 'adorned the earth with the stūpas and vihāras'. He was a feudatory under the Vākāṭaka King and built the cave complex extending from Cave 17 to Cave 20.
Shrine
The Buddha in Padmasana in the Dharmachakrapravartanamudra can be seen again here in Cave 17 with the deer and the wheel below. Two figures holding bowls stand on either side of the Buddha. Behind, on either side, can be seen boddhisatvas holding chowris or whisks fanning the buddha. Notice the motifs of garland bearers and the Vyalas repeating here.
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