Cave 6 is a double storied vihara that possibly begun in 460s by an unidentified donor from the Vakataka period. Cave Lower 6 is the only cave at the site ever finished while the Cave Upper 6 was left in a very rough condition, even though the patron was able to rush its fine image to completion immediately after Harisena’s death. The verandah of the lower storey has entirely disappeared. By mid-478, and continuing through 480 (the ‘Period of Disruption’), uninvited new devotees took over the latter cave, filling it with literally hundreds of intrusive Buddha images— all private votive donations.

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.