The tiny Cave 22 was started at a later date – probably not until 477 CE – directly above Caves 21 and 23 and high enough not to break into the porch cells of the larger caves below. Cave 22 took advantage of such still available space at a time when feasible new locations were a rarity. It consists of an astylar hall with four unfinished cells, sanctum sanctorum and a narrow verandah. There is an image of Buddha seated in pralamba-padasana (European chair pose) with feet resting on a lotus carved on the back wall of the shrine. This cave was still very incomplete when Emperor Harisena died, after which it was probably abandoned since it was quite incomplete and of relatively inconsequential size. Its cells were barely penetrated and the shrine had not even begun when it was given up.

During the Period of Disruption in 479 - 480 CE when the Asmakas who were planning to overthrow the Vakatakas withdrew resources from building activity at the site. The abandoned cave was taken over by a dozen different new devotees, who filled the unfinished shrine antechamber and the rear wall with carved and painted intrusions, many of which have brief dedicatory inscriptions, mostly referring to monastic donors. The main central image of Buddha was not painted until the intrusions along its right frame were carved probably in 480 CE. Other intrusions are of varied assortment, for instance, there is a painted composition that shows the Eight Buddhas theme and the accompanying inscriptions give the names of the seven past Buddhas and of the future Maitreya. Another cave – Cave 22A was also started in the still available rock just below Cave 22, however it was recently filled up with cement. 

References:

• Debala Mitra, Ajanta, 1964.
• Walter Spink, Ajanta: A Brief History and Guide, 1990.
• Walter Spink, Volume 18/5 Ajanta: History and Development: Cave By Cave, 2007.