What is the history of Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

The Ajanta – Ellora caves have evolved during the period 2nd century BC to 6th Century AD. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983 and are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art that have had a great influence in the development of art in India.

Which God is present in Ellora Caves?

Dhumar Lena (cave 29), one of the Hindu temples in the Ellora Caves, northwest of Aurangabad, Maharashtra state, western India. The most remarkable of the cave temples is Kailasa (Kailasanatha; cave 16), named for the mountain in the Kailas Range of the Himalayas where the Hindu god Shiva resides.

Who discovered Ajanta Ellora?

John Smith
On 28 April 1819, John Smith, the Madras Presidency officer, accidentally discovered the entrance to Cave No. 10 deep within the tangled undergrowth while hunting a tiger, which led to the discovery of the showpiece Ajanta caves.

What is Ajanta Ellora famous for?

Located in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad region, Ajanta and Ellora Caves are Maharashtra’s star tourist attractions. The curiosity surrounding the caves has led many travellers and historians to visit as well. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves have some of the finest Indian paintings and sculptures.

Who founded Ajanta caves?

According to the historians and various studies, it has been found that second phase of the construction of Ajanta caves started during the reign of Harisena, a king of Vataka dynasty. The caves constructed during this period belonged to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

Who built Ellora?

They were built close to one another and illustrate the religious harmony that existed in ancient India. All of the Ellora monuments were built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty, which constructed part of the Hindu and Buddhist caves, and the Yadava dynasty, which constructed a number of the Jain caves.

Who painted Ajanta?

The paintings in cave 1, which according to Spink was commissioned by Harisena himself, concentrate on those Jataka tales which show previous lives of the Buddha as a king, rather than as deer or elephant or another Jataka animal. The scenes depict the Buddha as about to renounce the royal life.