Step 1: The Ajanta Caves are near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. They are rock-cut caves made between about the 2nd century BCE and the 5th–6th century CE. Step 2: They were built as Buddhist monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas). Step 3: The wall and ceiling paintings (in tempera style) show the Jataka tales (the previous births of the Buddha) and scenes from the life of the Buddha, such as Padmapani and Vajrapani. Step 4: Jain themes are found at Ellora and Mughal court life belongs to later miniature painting. Answer: Jataka tales and the life of the Buddha.