Ellora Caves Maharashtra History and Interesting Facts

Ellora Caves Quick Facts

Ellora Caves Overview

India is the only country in the world where you will find many strange and historical buildings. Ellora caves are one of them, made by cutting large rocks located at a place called Verul (Ellora) in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. These caves are located 19 miles (30 km) north-west of Aurangabad and 50 miles (80 km) south-west of the Ajanta Caves. This group of caves is one of the most beautiful manifestations of medieval art in India.

Ellora Caves History

Ellora is an Archaeological site, most of these caves were built during the reign of Hindu rulers like Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasty etc. These caves are said to be between 600-1000 AD. Temples of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism have been built in these caves. There are 12 caves of Buddhism (based on the Mahayana sect) towards the south, 17 caves of Hinduism towards the middle and 5 caves of the north direction are based on Jainism.

The unique paintings and sculptures done in these caves are considered to be the finest specimens of Buddhist religious art. These caves have been kept under the authority of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Ellora Caves Interesting Facts

1. There are about 100 caves in Ellora, out of which only 34 caves have been opened for tourists.
2. 34 monasteries and temples built in these caves are located 2 km near Aurangabad.
3. The Kailasaguha temple built by Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna-I is the most outstanding.
4. The temples and monasteries inside the caves at Ellora have been built by cutting two hills vertically, which is 26 km north of Aurangabad.
5. These caves are built on the sides of a basaltic hill.
6. These caves include elaborately carved stone pillars and halls with many steps, doors, windows, and statues.
7. The carvings on the temples and monasteries built here have been carved with the help of chisels and hammers.
8. The Buddha's lifestyle is clearly visible in the cave sculptures based on Buddhism.
9. You will hardly get to see the workmanship and craftsmanship of the Kailash Temple made by cutting a big hill in the 16th cave.
10. Out of all the caves built here, 'The Great Keilsa Cave' is the largest.
11. Dashavatara Cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in which 10 complete images of Vishnu are made.
12. These caves were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1983 due to the beautiful carvings and paintings done on the walls of these caves.