| Abstract: | The Mahayana phase at Ajanta (c. 465-500) was patronized by the Vakatakas, particularly Harisena (c. 465-490). The last years of this phase (c. 490-500) witnessed a decline in artistic vitality, and shortly before 500, work at Ajanta, Ghatotkacha, and Aurangabad ended abruptly. A new phase in the development of Indian monuments began in c. 520 with the rise of the Kalachuri dynasty at Mahismati and their patronage to the Konkani cave-temples at Jogeshwari, Mandapeshwar, and Elephanta (all near Bombay). By c. 550, the Kalachuris shifted their focus to Ellora and Aurangabad, where the Dhumar Lena and Rameshvara caves were excavated. This phase, which marked the end of Hindu patronage at Ellora, shows the diminishing inspiration of the Kalachuri craftsmen. A flourishing Buddhist phase started from c. 610, backed by a local or provincial patronage. A renewal of Ellora art occurred with the rise of Tantric Buddhism and the growing interest of the Chalukyas, but the real re-birth of the art is seen in the Dasavatara cave and the Kailash temple of the 8th century under Rashtrakuta patronage. Source of Abstract: Provided by Publisher |
