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The Rock-cut Temples of India/The Caves of Ajunta/Cave No. 20—Ajunta

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CAVE No. 20.—AJUNTA.


THE last of this group is a small Vihara of somewhat singular plan. Its dimensions are twenty-eight feet two inches wide, by twenty-five feet six inches deep. It possesses four cells for monks, two on each side. There is no internal colonnade, but the roof is supported by advancing the sanctuary about seven feet into the hall and making its front consist of two columns in antis.

There is also a verandah in front, supported by two pillars with bracket capitals. The sculpture of these is bold and free, resembling that of the capitals in the interior of Cave No. 19, though somewhat better executed. Unfortunately, like everything in this Cave, the façade is a good deal ruined from flaws and faults in the rock.