ten main points on Ajanta Caves
Answers
Answer:
The Ajanta Caves have five chaityas, which are basically prayer halls.
Other caves are known as Viharas, which are monasteries with residents.
Caves 8,9,10,12, 13, and some bits of 15 are early Buddhist caves.
The caves were first discovered in 1819, when Jon Smith, a British official accidentally stumbled upon the horse-shoe shaped rock while hunting a tiger.
After studying the artefacts, it was concluded by historians and archaeologists that these caves had a connection with the Vakataka dynasty.
20 caves were built during the Vakataka dynasty, during the reign of Harisena, and at the end of his reign, these caves were abandoned.
Inside the caves, you can see paintings depicting the life of Gautam Buddha, and also stories from Jataka Tales.
Ellora Caves
Credit: Getty Images
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ellora Caves are one of the largest rock-cut monastery cave complexes in the world. Here, you have Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monuments and artworks. Let us check out some interesting facts about Ellora Caves -
The Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world. It is located in cave 16.
The Ellora Caves are a combination of 34 caves.
The Ellora complex has 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves, and 5 Jain caves.
The Jain caves at Ellora belong to the ninth and tenth centuries and can be traced to the Digambara sect.
Cave 15, which is known as Dashavatara is popular for depicting the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Answer:
Explanation:
1. Ajanta Caves were discovered by a British Officer during his hunting spree in 1819.
2. Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. It is best to visit the Caves right after the monsoons as at that time, besides treating your eyes with the amazing paintings of Ajanta you can witness the sprawling greenery of the jungles and the placid waters of River Waghora. The weather is also amiable at this time.
4. If you are looking for more thrill, shun the main road and choose the trekking path to the caverns. The path is more enchanting as it leads to a bridge beneath which the river flows in its full glory.
5. Just not the Ajanta Caves but the way to it is a photographer’s paradise. Deer are common at this part of the jungle.
6. The joyous Sapt Kund greets the tourists with its beautiful seven layers. Thee are numerous birds and animals found near the spring.
7. Enjoy some serene moments sitting at the steps of the plateau as you can hear the chirps of birds blend with the gurgling of Sapt Kund, it is a perfect epitome of nature’s bliss.