Lecture-Demonstration: Ajanta’s Feminine Essence – Symbolism & Sensory Depth

This immersive session offers a captivating look at the feminine form in the Ajanta cave paintings (c. 100 AD)—masterpieces that blend spiritual depth with poetic beauty. Through a curated timeline of key figures—queens, maidens, and apsaras—we explore how Ajanta artists evoked mood and meaning through stylised line, gesture, and vivid metaphor.

Slanted eyes, graceful curves, and expressive hands are decoded through poetic similes: lips like bimba fruit, fingers like lotus petals, shoulders echoing elephant strength. The feminine is not just sensual, but spiritually resonant—reflecting a world where monastic stillness meets royal elegance. The session begins with a brief talk by Ms Ketki Mahajan, SOAS-trained art historian and Indologist, setting cultural and visual context. This is followed by a narrated video demonstration by Dr Sindhu Saraswathy Bhaskaran, NHS consultant, artist, and educator. She sketches key figures while unpacking the visual language of Ajanta—form, gesture, and symbolism.

This is a presentation-based session, not hands-on.

If time permits, participants may sketch one figure in response.

Perfect for artists, students, and art lovers curious about the feminine divine in Indian art.