It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves,
lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain
side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. A group of British
officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art.
They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200
BC to 650 AD.
The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks,
who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the
ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural
movement.
» Hinayana
and Mahayana
The
Ajanta caves resolve themselves into two phases, separated from
each other by a good four hundred years. These architectural phases
coincide with the two schools of Buddhist thought, the older Hinayana
school where the Buddha was represented only in symbols like the
stupa, a set of footprints or a throne, and the later Mahayana sect
which did not shy away from giving the Lord a human form.
» How
to reach Ajanta
By
Air : The nearest airport Aurangabad is -106 kms.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Jalgaon- 60 kms and Aurangabad–
106kms.
By Road : Aurangabad- 106kms, Ellora- 70kms. Jalgaon- 60kms.
» Ellora
The
Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic
hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple
architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned
interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism,
Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period.
» How
to reach Ellora
By
Air : The nearest airport Aurangabad is -30 kms. from Ellora
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Aurangabad- 30 kms. from Ellora
