The Story of Buddhism 06, Masterpieces of Buddhist Art

This is the sixth part of a series of short films about Buddhism and especially its artistic and cultural contributions in India and surrounding countries by the renowned Indian cultural historian Benoy H. Behl, whose films I have featured many times on this website.

In this episode we look at the later stages of rock cut cave art in India, and especially at Ajanta, Kanheri and Ellora, which between them have some of the finest Buddhist artworks ever made.

For around 1,200 years rock cut caves flourished in India, and have left us some of the most memorable artworks in the tradition’s history. The later phase was characterised – much like the later doctrine – by elaboration and exquisite detail.

As always Benoy gives us an inspiring introduction to these works and points out their inner as well as outer excellence and meaning.