Ellora Caves in India

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1983
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 75,179°
Latitude: 20,026°

Summary

These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.

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Ellora Caves: A Marvel of Ancient Indian Architecture

The Ellora Caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state in India, are a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Situated in the Khulatabad Taluk, near the Verul village, these caves are a testament to the artistic and engineering skills of ancient Indian civilizations.

History

The Ellora Caves date back to the 6th and 10th centuries CE, representing a period of over five centuries of continuous excavation and construction. The caves were created by three different religious communities: Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. This unique amalgamation of religious influences makes Ellora a remarkable site of religious harmony and cultural diversity.

The earliest caves at Ellora were built by Buddhist monks, who carved out simple monastic cells and prayer halls from the basalt rock. These caves, known as the Buddhist Caves, are characterized by their austere and minimalist design, reflecting the principles of Buddhist architecture.

During the 7th and 8th centuries, the focus shifted to Hindu cave temples. These temples, dedicated to various Hindu deities, feature intricate carvings and elaborate sculptures. The most famous of these is the Kailasa Temple, a monolithic structure carved out of a single rock, which is considered one of the largest monolithic structures in the world.

The last phase of construction at Ellora saw the creation of Jain caves. These caves, built by the Jain community, showcase their unique architectural style and religious iconography. The Jain caves are known for their intricately carved pillars and statues, depicting scenes from Jain mythology.

Current State

Today, the Ellora Caves continue to be a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The site is well-preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from this architectural marvel.

Visitors to Ellora can explore a total of 34 caves, each offering a unique glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of ancient India. The caves are spread over a distance of approximately 2 kilometers and are divided into three groups: Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain.

One of the highlights of a visit to Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, which stands out for its sheer size and intricate carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture. The attention to detail and the scale of the carvings are truly awe-inspiring.

Aside from the Kailasa Temple, other notable caves include the Buddhist Cave 10, which houses a magnificent statue of Buddha, and the Jain Cave 32, known for its exquisite sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras.

Overall, the Ellora Caves are a testament to the artistic and architectural brilliance of ancient India. They serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region and continue to inspire awe and admiration among visitors.

Videos from the area

Eellora Caves Aurangabad Part 2

Published: December 16, 2014
Length: 06:59 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Manjunath B S

Ellora, is an archaeological site, 29 km (18 mi) North-West of the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is also known as Elapura (in the literature-Kannada). It is also...