Site Name: Ajanta
Date: 451-499 CE
Subject: Veranda, pillared cell at left
CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
Cave 24 is an incomplete monastery and second largest excavation at Ajanta that started in 466 CE. It was taken up by A Vakataka patron followed by Monk Buddhabhadra. Cave 24 provides an example of an excavation in progress, following the precedents of Caves 21 and 23. Its porch was nearly completed, but its vast and orderly interior, upon which many workers labored for some three years between 475 and 477 CE, is still largely uncut. The cave remained incomplete at the time of Harisena’s death in 477 CE and was ultimately abandoned. On plan the cave consists of open courtyard and verandah flanked by double cell pillared hall with unfinished cell and sanctum sanctorum. The perished pillars of the verandah have been reconstructed. The sanctum houses a seated Buddha in pralamba-padasana (European chair pose) with attendants and flying figures.
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