Question

state the world cultural heritage sites located in Maharashtra and give information about any one of them?​

Answer 1

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta caves of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, are listed under UNESCO’s “World Heritage sites” as the Cultural Heritage sites of Maharashtra. It was in the year 1983 when this site was recognized by UNESCO. These caves are believed to build around 2nd Century BC. These rock cut caves are a group of 29 cave monuments that include paintings and sculptures that are considered masterpieces. The whole area was build up in two phases, the first phase was build in 2nd century BCE and the second phase was constructed around 6th century BCE. These caves depict artistic influences of Buddhist religious art showcasing richly decorated paintings and frescoes.

Ellora cave

Ellora in Aurangabad district is another group of rock cut caves that are listed in cultural heritage sites of Maharashtra. These caves were build by Rashtrakuta Dynasty. The group of caves here represent a mix of religious arts of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These rock cut caves are a series of 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km. These caves were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff. These cave monuments dates back to 6th – 10th century. It is a group of 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu (caves 13–29) and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves demonstrating the religious harmony of the bye-gone era. It was in the year 1983 when UNESCO considered listing these caves as cultural heritage sites of Maharashtra.

Elephanta Caves

The monuments and caves of Elephanta are another important heritage sites of Maharashtra. It is a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”) in Mumbai Harbor. The island is a very popular tourist spot for people coming to Mumbai. The Island is located on an arm of the Arabian Sea. Elephanta caves consists of two groups. The first group consists of five Hindu caves and the second group consists of two Buddhist caves. It was in the year 1987 when this site was recognized by UNESCO and were listed under “World Heritage sites” as the “Cultural Heritage sites of Maharashtra”.