A REBIRTH FOR REVIVAL?

Dr. Walter .M. Spink

16^th February 1928 – 23^rd November 2019

‘Ajantha’ one of the biggest heritage sites in India, discovered in 1819, was under dialectics for many years. Scholars believed that the site dated to Chalukya period i.e. to 7^th Century A.D. The reason for this dialectics was just one scene located at the front wall of Cave no. 1 at Ajantha, clearly showing some kind of Royal Audience in the king’s court that was closely resembling an event that took place in 625 A.D. an ambassador from the court of Sassanian monarch Chosroes II visited the Chalukya Empire in Pulakeshi II’s reign. And thus, they concluded that the cave belongs to Chalukya Period i.e. the mid- seventh century A.D. but, then the question arose that Gharapuri Caves too belonged to 7^th Century A.D. but had more advanced architecture than that of Ajantha, it (Elephanta/ Gharapuri Cave) was now assigned to the 8^th century. There arose one more question, that what is a painting of Persian delegation to a Hindu king far to south in a Buddhist cave at Ajantha doing? This conclusion certainly can’t be true.

          Then began the period of renaissance of Ajantha in 1952, late after the conclusion was made. When a young American Art Historian visited the site and started publishing his ideas in 1956 on the basis of some greater relevant proofs he found which were far more different than the older conclusion.  

             This was the re-discovery of the magnificent heritage of Ajantha. One thing that makes the site more special is that, 2 different dynasties dating to 2 different period had built it. The first phase of Ajantha was built between 100 B.C. to 100 A.D. by the Satavahana dynasty while, the second phase in which the major artistic work is found belongs to the Vakataka Dynasty built after a long gap of 300 years.

          This man, who brought about this renaissance was Dr. Walter .M. Spink. I remember, I was in grade 6^th when I first time heard his name. He was the one who bestowed the nation the rich and authentic history of the magnificent heritage site -‘Ajantha’. Before he started studying Ajantha, scholars believed that it took not less than 200 years to create the Vakataka phase, but Dr. Spink with relevant proofs proved that it took not more than 18 years to complete this work. He also proved that Cave 1 at Ajantha was a donation by Vakataka Emperor Harishena (in whose regime the caves were built). He firmly opined that, Vakataka regime represents the golden era of Indian history and not the Gupta age.

          ‘Ajantha’ is not only an example of ancient architecture but, it is a testimony to the human deeds in the past. And Dr. Walter brought it to the world’s attention. He had a deep intent within himself that reflected at his work. His method of study was thorough, systematic, accurate and detailed. He made the stones speak to him and share their secrets and stories with him, which were unknown to us for 1500 years!  Dr. Walter .M. Spink was a legend who took countless efforts to bring Ajantha in the limelight of the world. Even at the age of 90 he kept on visiting Ajantha, his site seminars were extremely popular with students. He was highly admired as an inspiring speaker at international conferences and seminars too.

          He was a man of knowledge and huge experience; he published his work on Ajantha in 7 large volumes and more than 100 articles in papers. His mischievous nature and innocence made his personality more interesting and lovable and that’s the reason why he is close to everyone’s heart and will continue to be…

          I find myself utterly unfortunate that I never got an opportunity to meet him and be his disciple. But I was lucky enough that I could at least attend his condolence ceremony organized by ‘Bharatiya Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal’.

          Though he is not with us today, but his thoughts and knowledge is immortal. The firmness in his eyes and his love for the site, made him to appear as the rebirth of ‘Vakataka King- Harishena, the creator of Ajantha’ in our eyes. Although it’s just a fun and rebirth isn’t true, but his work made me feel so.

          Definitely, Ajantha is a witness of ‘Walter’s Era’ too. And hence it can be rightly said, “Dr. Walter .M. Spink was the ‘rebirth of King Harishena’ (for me) who ‘revived’ the land of ‘Vakataka’s – Ajantha’….”

“Existence of Ajantha keeps/ makes him immortal.”

May His Soul Rest In Peace…!

-Sagarika Saket Rajurkar