Mirashi, V.V. - Vakataka Inscription in Cave XVI at Ajanta

The Vakatakas are noted for having been patrons of the arts, architecture and literature. They led public works and their monuments are a visible legacy. The rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas of Ajanta Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was built under the patronage of Vakataka Emperor Harishena. .Dr. Vasudev Vishnu Mirashi (Marathi: वासुदेव विष्णु मिराशी) (1893–1985) was a Sanskrit scholar and a prominent Indologist of the 20th century hailed from Maharashtra, India. He was supposed to be an expert of his times on stone and copper inscription and coinage of ancient India. For his vital contribution to the Indian history he was honored with the title Mahamahopadhyaya (महामहोपाध्याय) by the British Indian Government in 1941. He was also awarded Padma Bhushan in 1975 by the President of India.