Ajanta through time
Maharashtra
Theme 9 · 5th century BCE to 13th century CE
Buddhism and Jainism: later development and decline
Phase 1 Satavahana from the 2nd century BCE; phase 2 Vakataka, 5th to 6th century; cave 1 Padmapani, cave 26 Mahaparinirvana
Theme 8c · 230 BCE to 220 CE
Its early caves belong to this period, among the rock cut caves of the western Deccan
Theme 11 · 250 to 600 CE; the Western Gangas run on to 1000
Contemporary powers: Vakatakas, Kadambas, Western Gangas, early Pallavas
The great second phase, including caves 16, 17, 19 and 26, under Vakataka patronage, above all Harishena; Cave 16 carries the inscription of his minister Varahadeva
Theme 10 · 319 to 550 CE
The famous paintings are of the second phase, in the fifth century, under Vakataka patronage