Cave 2 is also clearly inspired from Cave 1. Its doorways are influenced from the many ancient temples found in India. The ceiling is intricately designed and decorated exuberantly. The walls inside have an image of a Thousand Buddhas, painted with astonishing detailing. The corridor towards the right shows a puerile girl on a swing – called the Woman on Swing – which highlights Buddha’s thoughts that physical energy led to illumination.

Cave 4 was made simultaneously with Cave 17, but was left unfinished. There lie a huge number of incomplete paintings from Buddha’s life. A crouching deer, dwarf musuician, and floral plaster are some of the many things found in this cave.

Cave 6 is representative of the Mahayana period. There lies an image of a seated Buddha, surrounded by flying pairs of couples. The pillars in these caves are much more fine than the earlier caves and are in an octagonal shape. It has the painting of the Bhikshu with Lotus.

Cave 9 accomodates the Chaitya Hall of Gathering. It has a Giant Horseshoe Window. The Naga Worshippers and the Frieze of Animals and Herdsmen are two paintings that can still be seen there.

Cave 10 more or less resembles Cave 9 in its style and architecture. You have the Shada-Dant Jataka – Buddha incarnated as an elephant. There can also be seen the depiction of a King with his Retinue and the Shyama Jataka. The Princess and Tusk and the Buddha with the One-Eyed Monk are other two paintings that must be checked out. Cave 11 is mainly concerned with indicating the shift fro the Hinayana period to the Mahayana Period. It bares Buddhist Stupas.

Cave 16 has a beautifully made porched doorway that lay the foundation to the other doorways. This particular cave gives a breathtaking view of the river beneath. This cave has the Giant Buddha Statue, a depiction of Buddha with a Begging Bowl, the Descent of Lord Buddha and Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) stretching a bow. This cave is also home to the world famous art – Dying Princess – that displays the princess’ shock when she gets to know about her husband becoming a monk. The Sutasama Jataka is also another sculpture that is a must watch.

Cave 17 shows paintings that symbolize love, like the Apsaras and Flying Spirits and the Indra and the Apsaras. Apsaras mean Angels. The Buddha Returns shows how Princess Siddhartha returned as a beggar to reconcile with his wife and children.

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