The Ajanta Caves

Ancient Buddhist Paintings of India

Text and photographs by Benoy K. Behl

Revised edition

A revised edition of a classic title, now with digitally restored photographs, showcasing the finest surviving examples of ancient Buddhist art

Since their chance rediscovery in 1819, the breathtaking paintings and sculptures of the Ajanta caves have inspired and delighted experts and amateurs alike. Ranging in date from the second century bce to the sixth century ce, these ancient Buddhist artworks rank among the world’s most important cultural treasures. On UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, the Ajanta caves survive as a potent symbol of the great beauty of India’s rich artistic past.

Benoy K. Behl captured the beauty and luminosity of these works using long exposures and natural light. This new edition provides for the first time a view of some of the masterpieces of Ajanta painstakingly digitally restored by Behl. Sensitively carried out, the restoration makes the paintings clearer without interfering with their original grace and nuance, leading to a deeper appreciation of their artistry. Accompanied by expert commentaries to fully immerse the reader in the cultural context of the murals, The Ajanta Caves will help preserve the legacy of the glorious art of Ajanta for years to come.

‘One of the most gorgeous and stimulating books of Indian art ever produced’ Times Higher Education Supplement

‘The most successful photographic record of the cave and its paintings ever achieved’ Ancient

ISBN 978-0-500-29669-1

De-nin D. Lee is Associate Professor of Art History in the department of Visual & Media Arts at Emerson College in Boston, US, and Deborah Hutton is Professor of Art History in the Department of Art and Art History at The College of New Jersey, US. They both contributed to Thames & Hudson’s The History of Art: A Global View, and both have written and edited numerous other books and articles.

484 illustrations

29.1 x 23.0cm

392pp

ISBN 978 0 500 094167

September

£70.00