Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013

Dynastic Patronage of Buddhist Art

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The art of Ajanta was mainly patronized by the-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Ajanta’s transformation into a world-class center of mural painting and sculpture occurred primarily during its second major phase of development in the 5th century CE.

Explanation While the earliest caves at Ajanta date to the Satavahana period, the majority of the magnificently painted and sculpted caves (the Mahayana phase) were created under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty. Emperor Harishena and his ministers were the primary donors for iconic caves like Cave 1 and Cave 17.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Vakatakas were contemporaries of the Guptas and facilitated the 'Golden Age' of Deccan art.
Logic 2: Most of the high-quality murals depicting Jataka tales that Ajanta is famous for today were funded by Vakataka courtiers.

Active Recall

Question

Which Vakataka ruler is most closely associated with the Ajanta caves?

Answer

Emperor Harishena (r. c. 475–500 CE).

Core Insight

Vakataka patronage prove that Hindu dynasties often funded massive Buddhist artistic projects in a spirit of religious pluralism.