Paintings and sculpture

Culture of India

Title

45:30

8 of 24 completed

5 of 15 completed

38 of 100 completed

8 of 20 completed

Indian Economy - Understanding the basics of Indian economic system

The theme of Mara-Vijaya during Buddha's Mahaparinibbana was depicted in which of the following caves?

Ajanta caves

Ellora caves

Elephanta caves

Nachna Kathura caves

The theme of Mara Vijaya has been painted in the caves of Ajanta in cave No. 26.

It is sculpted near the colossal Buddha image of Mahaparinibbana.
The panel shows the image of the Buddha in the centre surrounded by Mara’s army along with his daughter. The event is part of the enlightenment. It is a personification of the commotion of mind which the Buddha went through at the time of enlightenment. Mara represents desire.
According to the narrative, there is a dialogue between the Buddha and Mara, and the Buddha is shown with his right hand indicating towards earth as a witness to his generosity. The composition is very complex with highly voluminous images. The figure on the right shows Mara coming with his army consisting of various kinds of people including some with grotesque animal faces. On the left lower end, the image of Mara is shown contemplating how to disturb Siddhartha, the name of the Buddha before enlightenment. The army of Mara is shown marching towards the Buddha in the first half of the panel whereas the lower half of the panel shows the departing army of Mara giving him .