Ellora Caves

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Exploring the Timeless Wonders of the Ellora Caves: A Testament to Ancient Indian Artistry and Tolerance

The Ellora Caves, nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, India, stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess of ancient India. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, these 34 monasteries and temples carved into a basalt cliff span over 2 kilometers, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of beliefs and artistic expressions that flourished during the period spanning from the 6th to the 10th centuries.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

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.

Encyclopedia Record: Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aurangabad, India. It is one of the largest rock-cut cave complexes in the world, with artwork dating from AD 600–1000, including Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves. The complex is a leading example of Indian rock-cut architecture, and several are not strictly "caves" in that they have no roof. Cave 16 features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailash temple, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to the god Shiva. The Kailash temple excavation also features sculptures depicting various Hindu deities as well as relief panels summarizing the two major Hindu epics.

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