Aurangabad

The city of Aurangabad, founded by Emperor Aurangzeb, is the gateway to the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves. In the 19th century a party of British officers came across the Ajanta caves, which had been buried for hundreds of years in the Sahyadri hills. This complex of thirty caves provided seclusion to the Buddhist monks, who lived, taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas (chapels) and Viharas (monasteries). They were constructed over a period spanning from 200 BC to 650 AD and designed to benefit from natural light. Paintings, many still glowing with their original colours, and exquisite carvings adorn the walls. Numerous images of Buddha, nymphs and princesses combine to make Ajanta a visual delight. Ellora is a network of thirty four cave temples, with intricate interiors and ornamental facades carved by Jains, Buddhists and Hindus over five centuries. The close proximity of the caves of each sect demonstrates remarkable religious tolerance and the sculptures illustrate the increasing influences of Tantric elements in the three major religions.