Ajanta and Ellora Caves, India.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves :

Image source

Ajanta caves are situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state. These twelve-rock-cut buddhist shrines, carved in Sihaychal ranges, are the masterpieces that represents the art in the history of India. In 1983, this protected monument, under the Archeological survey of India, has become UNESCO world heritage site. According to UNESCO these monuments are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

History :

Image source

These caves were built in two phases. The first phase was built in 2nd century BCE and the second phase was built in 480 CE. The first phase is known as Satavahana period and the second phase is known as Vākāṭaka. While Ellora caves date back from 5th century to 10th century CE. Later these caves got covered in forest and was missing till 1819.

Structure :

Image source

Image source

These caves include Hinyana and Mahayana art, painting, architecture and scriptures. Cave number 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15 represent Hinyana while cave number 1, 2, 16, 17, 19, 26 represent Mahayana. Hinyana and Mahayana are the 2 groups of of Buddhism. Hinyanas worship stupasto embody Buddha and Mahayana idols of different gods they believe in. Ajanta caves constitute prayer halls(Chaitya) and monasteries. Cave numbers 19 and 26 which represent Mahayana are used as prayer halls. While other caves include paintings of Jatak Katha and some have Sarasvati tales.

References :

1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurangabad_Caves
2. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajanta_Caves
3. http://traveltriangle.com/blog/ajanta-ellora-caves/
4. https://www.tourmyindia.com/heritage/ajanta.html