Ellora

Ellora Caves, also known simply as Ellora, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 30 kilometers north of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The site comprises 34 rock-cut caves dating from the 5th to the 10th centuries CE, carved into a vertical cliff along the Deccan plateau.

The caves are grouped into Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain complexes, and include monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas). They feature elaborate sculpture, architecture, and relief work that illustrate the development of Indian rock-cut design across several religious traditions and different historical periods.

A standout feature is the Kailasa temple in Cave 16, one of the largest and most remarkable monolithic rock-cut temples in the world. Built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 8th century, it is dedicated to Shiva and was carved from a single rock, showcasing sophisticated engineering and artistic achievement.

Ellora represents a high point in Indian rock-cut architecture and is noted for its stylistic diversity, architectural innovation, and the interplay of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences. The site offers insights into religious patronage and cultural exchange in ancient India.

In 1983, Ellora was designated a World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. It remains a major cultural and archaeological landmark, attracting scholars and visitors for its monumental sculpture, architectural grandeur, and historical significance.