These consist of 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 . Bridges connect the front (west) porch with the Nandi pavilion and, in turn with the upper storey of the gateway. The gallery circumambulating the main shrine is probably an afterthought and display many elements like intricately carved geometric patterns on its plinth. Utgikar, Pune: B.O.R.I. Cave 11 and 12 are three-storeyed and are considered to be the latest excavations in the Buddhist complex at Ellora. The antechamber has Ganesh on left and Gajalakshmi on right. Sahapedia is a registered trademark of Sahapedia, a non-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. From the exterior, the temple complex is obscured by a screen wall with shallow pilasters (Fig. Another remarkable aspect of Ellora is that here, in the same space, the craftsman completely turns around the conventional understanding of cave temple architecture, starting with caves with just mukha mandapa and shrine as in Cave 28 to creating a temple fully carved out of rock as in Kailasanatha temple, Cave 16. 10 is the most important Chaitya hall and it houses a huge sculpture of Buddha. Experiments in decorative patterns can be seen in the Buddhist group, like the gavaksha pattern carved on the faade of Cave 9 (Fig.12). A simple gateway leads to an open court in the middle of which stands a monolithic shrine (Fig. strongly suggest their function as educational centres. The Kaila temple has been attributed to the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I (AD 756773) and was inspired by Mount Kaila, modelled in design to Hindu temples with a gateway, an assembly hall, a garbha-grihya (sanctum sanctorum) wherein resides the linga-yoni and a main temple surrounded by many shrines and sculptures. Vajrapani is another Buddhist deity frequently depicted in the Buddhist caves of Ellora. The monumental Ravana shaking Kailasa on the southern adhishtana shows a kind of fusion of all the styles and definitely appears to be an afterthought. Steps from the south-west corner of the hall ascend to the intermediate level, which is similarly organized. One of the most notable monuments at Ellora is The Kaila temple: Cave 16, carved entirely out of a single rock face that covers an area twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens. As Girija river and the kunda which is created by the waterfall were probably the sacred center of Ellora, the possibility of finding early caves in its proximity is quite natural. The fourth panel depicts Vishnu seated along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The next panel shows Shiva Tandava with musicians on his right, and his consort Parvati on the left. At the back there are figures of Dikpalas and other gods including Bhringi. Cave 6 is considered to be the earliest cave followed by Cave 5, Caves 2, 3, 4, and then Caves 11 and 12. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum have gigantic doorkeepers flanking the entrance. Vajra thus represents the indestructibility of Buddhism. The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is of six aksharas (syllables). Their plan, arrangement of pillars, stairs, halls etc. The columns of the square mandapa imitate those seen in late Ajanta caves. Buddhist caves at Ellora. But it seems that all Buddhist images at Ellora were once painted and the Rakta-Lokesvara images were painted in red. The presence of images of Rakta-Lokesvara and Shadakshari Lokesvara, one representing shringara rasa and the other a highly philosophical meaning, suggests the presence of complex and highly evolved imagery in Ellora. In general, Ellora caves represent the last phase in the evolution of the rock-cut medium, and the emerging influence of free-standing structural architecture. The other arms have his regular weapons. It seems that even Aurangzeb paid a visit to the site on more than one occasion, presumably from nearby Khuldabad. We also find more than six to seven sculptures of Jambhala, the Buddhist god of wealth. The niches here are framed by pediments with arch-like motifs. There are few paintings on walls that have survived the test of time. Ellora Verul Jaina Jina Tirthankara Indra. This suggests that by this time she was considered as a goddess of protection by common people. Presence of Jambhala in the Buddhist caves of Ellora strongly suggests that Buddhism was still patronised by the trading community. Among these, cave 28 can be considered as contemporaneous to Ajanta or even pre dating Ajanta. Most inscriptions here are associated with Buddhist mantras. The superstructure is divided into three receding storeys, each with carved panels, pilastered walls, and a parapet. The hall itself is entered through three doorways at the rear of the verandah. We make use of First and third party cookies to improve our user experience. On the east end of the cave is seen the dancing eight-armed Shiva. 36: Meditating Jina figures, Chhota Kailasa. The Mahakuta Pillar and its Temples, Artibus Asiae41. Ellora was developed as an important seat of tantric Buddhism. At the bottom, Vishnu is depicted in the form of Varaha burrowing down to find the bottom of the linga. Considering the early activity, it is acceptable to call Ellora both the fountain head and zenith of Brahamanical architecture in Deccan and South India. Such affiliations to Pattadakkal clearly point towards the date of 750 AD when Dantidurga introduced the monolith tradition in Ellora soon after he took over the empire from the Chalukyans. The architecture of Ramesvara has a lot in common with Ajanta caves and successive brahmanical cave temples at Jogesvari and Mandapesvara (both in Mumbai). Fig. Above the columns is a frieze carved with ganas. Nagaraju, S. 1981. Out of these, twelve belong to Mahayana sect of Buddhism, seventeen belong to Hinduism and five belong to Jainism. While there are many impressive structures on-site, it's the megalithic Kailasa temple . Rows of seven Buddhas with flying figures above are placed on both sides of the antechamber entrance. The Nandi mandapa of Dasavatara (Cave 15) at Ellora can be considered as the first monolithic structure in western India. Mark Milligan is an award winning journalist and the Managing Editor at HeritageDaily. 37). It covers a significant part of the MPSC syllabus for prelims and mains. Like other Buddhist examples, this too dates from the seventh century and is named after the mythical architect of the gods. Earlier it was thought that Buddhist caves were excavated first, followed by Hindu and Jaina caves. But recent studies show that some Hindu caves, that is Caves21 and 29 were excavated earlier followed by the Buddhist caves. This along with contemporaneous Dhamnar and related monuments in Malwa will be last expressions of monolith temples in India. The Ellora Caves created in the Deccan Plateau near Aurangabad, India, have architectural similarities with other caves in the central Deccan region; they include 34 temples and monasteries dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Another cave which shows pre-Dhumar Lena features is cave 27 (Fig.6) excavated on the northern side of the teertha. The Rashtrakutas And Their Times, Poona: Oriental Book Agency. The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international communitys efforts to protect and preserve. The plan is altogether different from standard Buddhist caves. Buddhist caves at Ellora are rich in architectural pattern and form. The Kailasa Temple is noteworthy for itsverticalcarving. On the other hand, deductive method has been practiced in Eastern India at the monuments of Udaygiri [Odisha], and at Mahabalipuram [Tamil Nadu]. The significance of the caves can be understood according to their classification. It would not be erroneous to call the architecture of Kailasa at Ellora a national style for the reason that craftsmen from various regions of India appear to have worked here leading to the creation of a pan Indian cave architecture. What is the significance of the Khajuraho Monuments? The victory pillars are placed symmetrically flanking the Nandi mandapa visually enhancing the verticality of the monument. The tantric Buddhist imagery which we get at Ellora is quite interesting as some of the icons do not match with the textual description. The plan, unlike Ramesvara cave, creates columned square mandapa in front of the shrine. What we have in Ellora is a very interesting evidence of this trend being continued till a late period. Some of the Dharinis have been identified as Janguli, Chunda, Tara and Bhrikuti. But also merchants and business people, had a place to rest and take shelter, sometimes travelling together to Ellora. Similar architecture with certain variations can be seen in the Buddhist caves at Ellora, specifically in Caves 6 and 9. Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in todays complex world, where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development, unsustainable tourism practices, neglect, natural calamities, pollution, political instability, and conflict. Generally Shadakshari Lokesvara is accompanied by Shadakshari Mahavidya, the female personification of his mantra, representing great knowledge, and Manidhar who is associated with akshamala, a symbolic representation of continuous activity or continuous cycle. Though there are no direct references to the domination of Chalukyans at Ellora, after the defeat of the Kalacuris by the former, as claimed by Chalukyan king Mangalesa in the Mahakuta pillar inscription, Ellora region might have come under the Chalukyans of Vatapi (Bolon 1979). In the process, a central mass of rock about thirty meters high has been isolated and carved into a main temple complex, with all components and peripheral shrines in addition to two free-standing pillars. Large dvarapalas and river goddesses flank the doorway of the sanctum. Anfal & Apples ~ Halabja A Wound That Never Heals, Battlefield Relic, The Only Witness Left Standing to the Battle of Culloden, Kailasa the Only Rock Monument in the World, Hegra, Untouched for Millennia now Open to Tourists, Green Children Of Woolpit: The 800 Year Mystery, Prehistoric Tunnels Dug by Giant Ground Sloths, Incredible Images of Ghost Ships at Bottom of the Baltic, Ajanta Caves Abandoned & Found 1500 Years Later by an Englishman. Cave 11 and 12 are three-storeyed and are considered to be the latest excavations in the Buddhist complex at Ellora. 29). It contains exquisite sculptures in the Gupta tradition; and can be dated to the latter half of the 6th century AD. Their worship and the presence of their imagery in these caves show how Buddhism was supported by local cults in the 7th century. The entire process of ritualistic development can be seen at Ellora in proper context. Shiva is standing here in Atida pose. 1976. Fig. By increasing just the size of one of the components of the basement molding (Gajadhara in this case) the architect has achieved the desired result of monumentality which the patron was looking for. The back wall are sculptured with images of Sapta Matrikas who can be identified by their mounts, which are carved on the pedestals. The dvarapalas and the shrine itself are quite similar to those of Ravan Ki Khai (Cave 14). The monuments at Ellora were carved over a period of three hundred and fifty years, from the sixth to the tenth centuries AD. had a place to rest and take shelter, sometimes travelling together to Ellora. The columns have partly fluted shafts, pot and foliage capitals, and plain brackets. They are located near the village of Ellora, 19 miles (30 km) northwest of Aurangabad and 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the Ajanta Caves. As S Nagaraju argued in his volume on western Indian caves, most of the Hinayana caves in western India were built on or near the ancient trade routes (Nagaraju 1981). No other inscriptional evidences are available regarding the political affiliation of Ellora. Ellora Caves, Ellora also spelled Elura, a series of 34 magnificent rock-cut temples in northwest-central Maharashtra state, western India. Like many monasteries all those centuries ago. They illustrate a wide range of mythological subjects like (on the left wall) Andhakasuravadha, Siva and Parvati playing dice, Kalyanasundaramurti or the marriage of Siva and Parvati, and Ravananugrahamurti or Ravana shaking Kailasa; (rear wall, left side) Siva emerging from the linga to rescue Markandeya, and Siva with Parvati receiving Ganga in his hair; (antechamber walls) Ganesha, an unidentified Buddhist goddess (a relic from the earlier phase), Gaja Lakshmi and Kartikeya; (rear wall, right side) Lingodbhavamurti and Tripurantaka; and (right wall) Krishna, Seshasayi Vishnu, Garuda-arudha Vishnu, Varaha, Trivikrama and Narasimha (Fig.28). So Caves5, 11 and 12 suggest that Ellora was probably functioning as an important centre for Buddhist education during the 6th-7th centuries of the Common Era. There is only one sculpture of Ashtamahabhaya Tara in the entire western Deccan and that is found in Cave9 of Ellora. They are one of the worlds largest monastery cave complexes carved directly into a rock face. The cave is noted for massive pillars and huge sculptures. Cave 17 to 20 are modest excavations, all Shaivite with a Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum. The right back wall of sanctum has Shiva Parvati playing game of caushar (game of dice) and on the left panel has Ravana shaking Kailasa. The sub-shrines cannot be placed in the same period as the main shrine as there are many experimentations in the carvings on the walls of the sub-shrines. There are thirty four caves at Ellora, in toto. Carved onto each of the side walls of the hall are five large Buddhas; these are seated on thrones and flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas. Large-scale panels on the walls of the outer aisles depict Andhakasuravadhamurti, Ravananugrahamurti, Nataraja (Fig.15), Lakulisa, Kalyanasundaramurti, and Siva Parvati playing dice. There is an open court on the west. Interestingly images of Avalokitesvara as Shadakshari Lokesvara are also found in the Buddhist sites of eastern India. 3). What is the significance of Western Ghats? Ajanta Caves - Wikipedia The experiments at Udaygiri amalgamate with the mature tradition of western India at Ajanta, the magnificent acme of rock cut architecture. The monument is celebrated for the charm of its sculptures. Even in the late 7th century Buddhists incorporated deities associated with local and folk cults in mainstream Buddhism. Two attendants bath Goddess here. The open circumambulatory path around the shrine with five sub shrines is a new feature introduced at Ellora taking inspiration from Pattadakkal and Kanchipuram. By using this website, you agree with our Cookies Policy. The pediment over the doorway is larger and contains a chaitya window between arched motifs. At the rear (east) an antechamber leads to the sanctuary. The decorated doorway with flanking monumental dvarapalas are first introduced in Jogesvari, later followed by the present cave. This is a single storied square cave. The gandharva vivaha [eloped marriage] of Dantidurgas father Indra Raja to the sister of the Chalukyan king of Navasari [Gujarat] branch is an indicator of their Gujarat origin. We do not have any evidence, epigraphic or textual, to verify why the work discontinued. His background is in archaeology and computer science, having written over 7,000 articles across several online publications. A free-standing elephant and column are also positioned here. The Cave Temples of India, London. Both niches are capped with pyramidal pediments composed of arch-like motifs. Ajanta and Ellora Caves - Art and Culture Notes There is only one chaityagrha, that is Cave10, among the Buddhist caves of Ellora. Previous Year Papers Neha Grover May 5, 2023 The Ajanta and Ellora caves are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India, and are considered one of the best examples of ancient rock-cut caves. The niche decoration follows the Chalukyan precedents but with an accentuated exuberance. The Jatayuvadha carved on the southern wall next to the porch is clearly a copy of the same theme from Virupaksha temple, Pattadakkal. Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information. Buddha promised her that she would be offered food by the monks and lay people everyday. Deshpande, Brahmananda. The five Jain caves at Ellora. There are thirty-four rock-cut cave temples which belong to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The craftsmen began at the top of the rock and started to excavate and curve downwards. This monument was inscribed soon after Dantidurga claimed his independence from the Chalukyan overlords. The caves date from the late sixth through tenth centuriesan important period of temple building in India as regional rulers, merchants and traders, and religious communities sought to establish their presence and power through the patronage of structural and rock-cut architecture. Out of the 34, the first 12 are Buddhist, caves, 13 to 29 are Hindu caves, and 30 to 34 are Jain caves. This has a pyramidal superstructure capped with an octagonal roof. The doorway of Cave 6 shares many things in common with Ramesvara including the monumental dvarapalas. [1] There are over 100 caves at the site, all excavated from the basalt cliffs in the Charanandri Hills, 34 of which are open to public. We do not get any concrete evidence of the existence of Theravada or Hinayana at Ellora. The plan of the cave consisting of a broad verandah flanked by upavarnakas [sub shrines] belongs to the lineage of Ajanta and Aurangabad caves. 1927. Protections by other conservation instruments, Declaration of principles to promote international solidarity and cooperation to preserve World Heritage, Heritage Solutions for Sustainable Futures, Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, Central Africa World Heritage Forest Initiative (CAWHFI), Reducing Disasters Risks at World Heritage Properties, World Heritage and Sustainable Development, World Heritage Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Initiative on Heritage of Religious Interest. Decline of Buddhist excavations at Ellora. Since cave 21 is dedicated to the same sect, there was no hesitation in attributing this cave, along with Jogesvari, Elephanta and the colossal Dhumar Lena (cave 29) from Ellora itself, to this dynasty which was getting a foothold in the region after the fall of Vakatakas. Many of the sculptures here are mutilated. The pillar type is similar to the Ramesvara pillars but lag behind as far as exuberance of carving is concerned. Ellora occupies a flat rocky region of the Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri (Benevolent Mountains), where the geology of the landscape was shaped by volcanic activity creating a multi-layered basalt formation known as the Deccan Traps that formed during the Cretaceous period. Phase 3: Pre Imperial Rashtrakutas/Chalukyan. Later during the Gupta period a second cycle of cave excavations independent of the rock cut architecture tradition in western India was initiated in the Malwa region in Ram Garh and Udaygiri caves [both in Madhya Pradesh]. Caves1 to 12 are associated with Buddhism, Caves13 to 29 are Hindu caves, whereas Caves32 to 34 are Jaina caves. The use of mantras or mystic formulas representing a particular deities is an important worship ritual in Mantrayana. These consist of 12 Buddhist (caves 112), 17 Hindu (caves 1329) and 5 Jain (caves 3034) caves as well as monasteries dedicated to each religion. He stands on the coiled body of a snake. It is certainly one of the largest complexes anywhere devoted to religion. Jain Caves: 05. Unlike other rock-cut sites in the Western Deccan, such as Ajanta and Pitalkhora, Ellora was never rediscovered. Cave 17 shows no attempt of carving on the walls (Fig.25). The upper level of the cave shows many evidences of appropriation of an originally Buddhist structure, perhaps by the Rashtrakutas themselves. Five major phases of excavations are seen in the Kailasa complex. Shiva protects his devotee young Markandeya from the clutches of death (Yama). Ellora Caves Information Ellora Caves History Continue with Recommended Cookies. Miniature Jain figures adorn the arched niches of the roof projections. These two Jain excavations are assigned to the early ninth century, within the Rashtrakuta period. The patronage of the early caves at Ellora [i.e. The other important accounts of these caves are by Firishta, Thevenot (1633-67), Niccolao Manucci (1653-1708), Charles . There are 34 caves at Ellora dating from between the 6th and 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. 1955. Large sculptural panels are carved on these walls. Besides 17 major Hindu caves, there are more than 25-30 smaller Hindu caves which form the Ganesh Leni group and Jogeshwari group. . Cave16, the famous monolithic shrine Kailasha, is mentioned as Manakeshwar in Jnaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagvada Gita composed by thewell-known Marathi saint Jnaneshwar in the 13th century of the Common Era. The Archaeological Survey of India has identified thirty-four caves at Ellora carved into an exposure of basalt that stretches over a mile in length.. Ellora was an important centre of tantric Buddhism. Ellora caves located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves in sequence between Ramesvara and Dhumar Lena, except Cave 27 and 28, show similar disturbances in carving activities. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The sculpture in this view depicts Shiva Andhakasura Vadha Murti, a ferocious aspect of Shiva; He is represented with eight arms, two of them holding the spear impaling the demon Andhaka, shown at the top left corner. The dvarapalas carved flanking the mandapa have a lot of commonalities with the dynamic dvarapalas of late Chalukyan art seen at Pattadakkal and elsewhere. We don't have to travel abroad to study history - it is around us all. Cities like Varanasi and Kumbhakonam developed because they were religious centers that also served the purpose of commerce. Unless otherwise specified, all content is made available under the CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence, though additional terms may apply. Cave 28 which is excavated on the axis of the theertha [Sita ki Nahni] underneath the waterfall is a simple cave with a shrine and a mandapa devoid of pillars. Towards the rear wall is a detached square sanctuary with four doorways, each with a pair of tall guardian figures accompanied by female figures. Coming to Cave 12, the lowest floor consists of a long hall with three rows of columns. It is very interesting that here a typical Buddhist chaitya plan has been merged with tantric Buddhist ideals. So it can be suggested that tantric Buddhist icons at Ellora were excavated even before standard Buddhist tantric texts were codified or were being circulated. We do not have any evidence of continuity of the caves as active centres of Buddhism after that. The mammoth size plinth enhances the overall experience of monumentality of Kailasa. It seems that Cave 15 was started as a Buddhist cave but perhaps due to the lack of political support or patronage from royal families or traders, the activity suddenly stopped. Large-scale sculpted wall panels on the sides represent stories of Hindu God Shiva. The next panel of an impressive Mahishasura Mardini is badly damaged. Fig. The architecture tradition of western India, specifically Maharashtra was progressing in a linear fashion where every consecutive dynasty was paying tribute to the Kalacuri/ Vakataka innovations. Indra Sabha (Cave 32) is the finest of the Jain series. So in this context the presence of Vajrapani in the Buddhist caves at Ellora is very interesting. Interestingly, most of the Rashtrakuta monuments have monumental elephants carved as seen at the Jain caves at Ellora, Jain temple at Pattadakkal and at Kharosa (Latur district, Maharashtra). Rashtrakutas, indebted to their erstwhile overlords, the Chalukyans of Vatapi and Pallavas of Kanchi brought in a new idiom in cave architecture: the monolith tradition. All built by hand, carved directly into the side of a mountain. But remains of plaster can be seen in some of the caves. The ancient name of this site, Elapura, is mentioned in inscriptions. One of the greatest and the most noteworthy rock temple complexes in the world, Ellora cave is a gathering of temples that were worked between the fifth and the tenth hundred of years AD and furthermore happens to be a World Heritage Site. This schematic arrangement of bodhisattvas in a specific order is a special feature of the Buddhist caves at Ellora. Though many scholars accept the view that Cave 29 or Dhumar Lena complex is the earliest excavation at Ellora, the small excavation on the south of Dhumar Lena raises many issues regarding chronology. While many dynasties adopted one of these styles, Rashtrakutas shuffled them and placed them in contrasting regions. Caves belonging to the Jain religion bring the history of the site of Ellora right into medieval period. Manage Settings The sculptures show these regional variations. Today Caves 11 and 12 are worshipped by the followers of Mahanubhava sect. Here there are also figures of frolicking attendants of Shiva (ganas). World Heritage partnerships for conservation. The spacious apsidal hall is divided into three aisles by slender octagonal columns; the two central columns of the front row have pot and foliage capitals. The plan of the cave is an amalgamation of the hypostyle mandapa of the viharas opened on the top and placed in front of the chaitya-griha. What is the significance of Konark Sun Temple? Kailasa Temple is an Incredible Feat of Indian Architecture and Engineering In place of sub-shrines seen at Aurangabad caves, here in Cave 2 we have niches with huge seated Buddha images. Carved from the top down, Ellora . Some caves are shrine-cum-monasteriesof the early tantric period of which we find parallel examples in Caves6 and 7 in Aurangabad.