The excavation of Ajanta represents extraordinary rock architecture in western Deccan after about three
hundred years of abandonment in rock art. It seems technicians avoided a massive basalt trap full of flaws
as much as they could in choosing cave site. As mercantile and royal endowments grew, cave interiors
became more elaborate, with interior walls decorated with murals and intricate carvings. The technique of
mural paintings was copied from Ajanta and taken to to south-east Asia were many Buddhist countries
represented India’s great material culture. Application of varnishes for copying and general conservation
pose problems for mural paintings.

Main Features of Ajanta Painting:

1. Subject Matter:
- Ajanta paintings depict various aspects of life during the ancient period such as court scenes, daily life activities, and stories from Jataka tales.

2. Technique:
- The paintings were done using natural colors derived from minerals, plants, and other sources.
- The artists used a fresco technique where colors were applied on wet plaster which helped in preserving the paintings for a long time.

3. Style:
- Ajanta paintings are characterized by their detailed and intricate designs.
- The artists paid special attention to facial expressions, body postures, and emotions to bring life to the figures in the paintings.

4. Symbolism:
- The paintings often have symbolic representations of religious and spiritual themes.
- They aim to convey moral and ethical values through visual storytelling.

5. Use of Perspective:
- The artists employed different perspectives to create depth and dimension in the paintings.
- This technique made the figures look realistic and added a sense of realism to the scenes depicted.

6. Decorative Elements:
- The paintings are adorned with intricate designs, floral motifs, and geometric patterns.
- These decorative elements enhance the overall beauty of the paintings.

7. Themes:
- The paintings at Ajanta depict a wide range of themes including religious narratives, mythological stories, and historical events.
- Each painting tells a unique story and serves as a visual representation of the rich cultural heritage of ancient India.