Ajanta: History and Development, Volume 5 Cave by Cave

by Walter M. Spink

The complex of sacred caves in India enjoyed two distinct periods of patronage, a Hinayana Buddhist phase about 100 BC to 100 CE, and a revival in the middle fifth century under the powerful emperor Harisena of the Vakataka Dynasty. Having written extensively about Indian art in general and specifically that found in the Ajanta caves, Spink (emeritus history of art, U. of Michigan-Ann Arbor) here offers a guide to visitors, detailing the art to be seen in each of the more than 36 caves. He includes maps, floor plans, and elevations, but no reproductions of the art itself, which readers are presumably looking at with their own eyes. There is no index. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

406 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 2006