Ajanta Caves: late Gupta-phase paintings and patronage (c. 450–500 CE)

1. Vākāṭaka patronage begins Ajanta’s second phase

   Jan 1, 450Labels: V k, Ajanta Caves

   • UNESCO

2. Varāhadeva sponsors Ajanta Cave 16

   Jan 1, 462Labels: Var hadeva, Cave 16

   • Siddham
   • IGNCA Ajanta

3. Ajanta site “inauguration” in Spink chronology

   Jan 1, 462Labels: Walter M, Ajanta program

   • Spink Vol VI
   • IGNCA Ajanta

4. Harisena’s courtly circle backs major new viharas

   Jan 1, 465Labels: Harisena, V k

   • UNESCO
   • IGNCA Ajanta

5. Cave 17 inscription records vassal patronage

   Jan 1, 465Labels: Ravis mba, Cave 17

   • Siddham
   • IGNCA Ajanta

6. Harisena begins Cave 1 in Spink chronology

   Jan 1, 466Labels: Harisena, Cave 1

   • Spink Vol VI
   • UNESCO

7. Political “recession” disrupts work on many caves

   Jan 1, 469Labels: Asmaka pressure, Site disruption

   • Spink Vol VI

8. A site-wide hiatus begins amid conflict

   Jan 1, 472Labels: Site hiatus, Conflict period

   • Spink Vol VI

9. Asmaka-linked patrons reorient activity at Ajanta

   Jan 1, 475Labels: Asmaka patrons, Patronage takeover

   • Spink Vol VI
   • UNESCO

10. Cave 2’s principal carving and painting phase

    Jan 1, 475Labels: Cave 2, Late-Gupta paintings

    • Ajanta Caves
    • UMich VRC

11. Buddhabhadra donation inscription for Cave 26

    Jan 1, 480Labels: Buddhabhadra, Cave 26

    • Ajanta Caves
    • UNESCO

12. Late 5th–early 6th century completion pressure

    Jan 1, 500Labels: Cave 26, Final phase

    • Ajanta Caves
    • UNESCO

13. British-era “rediscovery” recorded by John Smith

    Apr 28, 1819Labels: John Smith, Rediscovery 1819

    • Ajanta Caves
    • UNESCO