The Ellora Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are one of the greatest rock-cut monastic-temple complexes in the world. Unlike Ajanta, which is exclusively Buddhist, Ellora represents Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious traditions. These caves are an important part of Indian history and art. They are frequently asked about in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams.
1. Location
- Situated in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, near the Ajanta Caves.
- Located on the Deccan Plateau, carved into the basalt cliffs of the Sahyadri Hills.
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
2. Timeline of Construction
| Period | Dynasty/Patronage | Cave Features |
|---|---|---|
| 600–730 CE | Chalukyas & Kalachuris | Early Hindu and Buddhist caves |
| 730–950 CE | Rashtrakutas | Massive Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) |
| 900–1100 CE | Yadavas | Jain caves added |
3. Features of Ellora Caves
A. Architecture
- Total Caves: 34 (numbered 1–34).
- Types of Caves:
- Buddhist Caves (Caves 1–12) – Monasteries and stupas.
- Hindu Caves (Caves 13–29) – Dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and other deities.
- Jain Caves (Caves 30–34) – Depicting Jain Tirthankaras and deities.
B. The Three Major Groups of Caves
1. Buddhist Caves (Caves 1–12)
- Built between 600–730 CE.
- Include monasteries (viharas) with shrines dedicated to Buddha.
- Cave 10 (Vishwakarma Cave): Known as the “Carpenter’s Cave” with a stupa and large Buddha statue.
- Cave 12 (Teen Tal Cave): A three-story monastery, one of the largest in India.
2. Hindu Caves (Caves 13–29)
- Built between 7th and 9th centuries CE.
- Showcases Dravidian and Nagara temple architecture.
- Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple):
- Most famous cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Entire temple was carved from a single rock, making it the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world.
- Includes massive pillars, sculptures, and gopurams (gateway towers).
- Cave 15 (Dashavatara Cave): Depicts the ten avatars of Vishnu.
3. Jain Caves (Caves 30–34)
- Built in the 9th–10th centuries CE.
- Dedicated to Tirthankaras of Jainism.
- Cave 32 (Indra Sabha Cave): Features beautiful carvings of Mahavira and other Jain deities.
- Smaller in size but intricately decorated.
4. Significance of Ellora Caves
- Religious Harmony: Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves exist together, reflecting India’s secular traditions.
- Architectural Marvel: The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is a unique engineering and artistic achievement.
- Cultural Heritage: Represents the evolution of temple architecture from rock-cut to fully developed temples.
- Historical Importance: The site gives insights into the dynasties that ruled Deccan India, including the Rashtrakutas and Yadavas.
5. Decline and Rediscovery
- Used actively as religious centers until around the 13th century CE.
- Later, the caves were abandoned and forgotten.
- Rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists.
6. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams
Prelims-Based Questions (Objective Type)
- Ellora Caves are located in which Indian state?
- (a) Madhya Pradesh
- (b) Maharashtra
- (c) Karnataka
- (d) Rajasthan
- Answer: (b) Maharashtra
- Which dynasty is credited with constructing the famous Kailasa Temple in Ellora?
- (a) Chalukyas
- (b) Pallavas
- (c) Rashtrakutas
- (d) Mauryas
- Answer: (c) Rashtrakutas
- How many caves are present at the Ellora site?
- (a) 12
- (b) 20
- (c) 30
- (d) 34
- Answer: (d) 34
- Which of the following is a Buddhist cave in Ellora?
- (a) Cave 10
- (b) Cave 15
- (c) Cave 16
- (d) Cave 32
- Answer: (a) Cave 10
- Which cave is known as the “Carpenter’s Cave”?
- (a) Cave 12
- (b) Cave 10
- (c) Cave 16
- (d) Cave 29
- Answer: (b) Cave 10
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive Type)
- Discuss the architectural and artistic features of the Ellora Caves.
- Explain the religious diversity represented in the Ellora Caves.
- Analyze the significance of the Kailasa Temple as an architectural masterpiece.
- Compare the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in terms of their art, architecture, and religious influence.
7. Conclusion
The Ellora Caves are a remarkable example of India’s rich religious and artistic heritage. The coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves in one complex makes it a symbol of religious tolerance. The Kailasa Temple, in particular, stands as a monument of ancient India’s engineering and artistic excellence.
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