Ajanta Ellora

The Ajanta Ellora caves are fine specimens of ancient rock-cut cave temples. Located in

the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, the Ajanta Ellora caves are UNESCO-designated

World Heritage Sites. Even though Ajanta and Elora are often mentioned in the same

breath, the cave temple clusters in these locations are different from each other in many

aspects.

While the caves in Ajanta are primarily Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist caves, the

Ellora cave temples belong to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions. There are variations in

the architectural and sculptural dimensions as well. In comparison to the Ajanta caves

embellished with a profusion of intricate paintings and sculptures, the Ellora caves are of

a mundane variety drawing inspiration from the Vajrayana school of Buddhism.

The Ajanta caves remained hidden from public knowledge until a unit of British soldiers

from the Madras Army stumbled upon them in 1819 during a hunting expedition. In

contrast, the Ellora caves, due to their location on the ancient north- south trade route or

the dakshinapatha, had served as a refuge for traders, priests and pilgrims who plied the

route to the western ports. In fact, the Kailash was used for worship until the 19th

century.

Ajanta Caves Architecture

The rock-cut Ajanta Caves are renowned masterpieces for their unique architecture and

the profusion of sculptures and paintings. The walls and ceilings of the Ajanta Caves are

chiseled with exquisite carvings and paintings that chronicle the life of Lord Buddha.

Ajanta Paintings

The Ajanta caves are treasure troves of exquisite paintings that depict scenes from Jataka

tales and the life of Lord Buddha. Beautiful murals adorning the walls, ceilings and the

pillars bear testimony to the versatility of ancient artistes.

Ajanta Caves

Nestled amidst a lush green landscape, the Ajanta Caves are ancient Buddhist caves hewn

out of basalt rock formations. These caves are located at the Lenapur village in the

Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora caves represent a unique synthesis of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples,

all scooped out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. Located in the Velur village

of the Aurangabad district in Maharashtra, the Ellora cave complex is home to 34 cave

temples and monasteries.

Kailash Temple

The crown jewel among the Ellora caves, the Kailash temple epitomizes the zenith of

ancient rock-cut architecture. Also known as the Cave 16, the Kailash temple is an awe-

inspiring edifice with its massive proportions and exquisite carvings.