Ajunta, Bombay Presidency c. 1869

Curator: This albumen print captures a section of the Ajunta cave temples in Bombay Presidency. It was taken by Colin Murray, a Scottish photographer, sometime in the late 19th century. Editor: It feels almost oppressive; the dark, heavy stone looms, and the intricate carvings seem to weigh down the entrance. Curator: That sense of weight comes from the density of the carvings. Consider the figures—each tells a story, building upon centuries of artistic and spiritual tradition. The visual language connects to a rich tapestry of belief. Editor: But who had access to these stories? The photo itself speaks to colonial observation, a specific viewpoint shaping how these temples were seen and understood in the West. Curator: True, Murray’s work also exists as a document of colonial encounter. The image now serves as an important cultural artifact. Editor: Absolutely, its presence here allows us to confront layered histories. Curator: It is a small window into complex narratives.