Ajanta History and Development: Bagh, Dandin, Cells and Cell Doorways

Volume 7 of Walter Spink’s monumental and still controversial study of the famous Ajanta caves considers the many connections between the Bagh caves and its “sister site”, Ajanta, particularly emphasizing the leading role that Bagh plays in the crucial matter of Buddhist shrine development and the transition from the aniconic to iconic forms of worship. He also explains the relationships between certain caves and solstices, as well as changing technologies, especially in the development of the door fittings in the monks’ cells.