Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves (एलोरा गुफाएं) is a UNESCO World Heritage cave site in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
Overview
The Ellora Caves are 34 rock-cut cave monuments dating from the 6th to 10th century CE in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. They represent Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious art and architecture, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the largest monolithic structure in the world.
History and Legend
The caves were carved during the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties. Unlike Ajanta, which is exclusively Buddhist, Ellora represents three religions coexisting and creating art side by side. The Kailasa Temple was commissioned by Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 8th century and is carved from a single rock.
Architecture and Features
The caves include 12 Buddhist (1-12), 17 Hindu (13-29), and 5 Jain (30-34) caves. The Kailasa Temple is the highlight, featuring a full-sized temple carved out of a single basalt cliff, including detailed sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The paintings at Ellora rival those at Ajanta.
Modern Status
Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1983) and one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. The caves are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The annual Ellora Festival of classical music and dance is held at the caves.
Verification Notes
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983); Kailasa Temple documented as world’s largest monolithic structure.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).