Ajanta and Ellora are two colossal rock-cut caves in India that epitomize the country's artistic and architectural achievements. Despite the fact that these two monuments are separated by roughly 100 kilometers, they are frequently cited together due to their similar aesthetics and importance, as well as the fact that they are both located in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district. While Ajanta is known for its stunning Buddhist paintings on cave walls, Ellora is known for sculpture and architecture from three different religions that were prevalent in the country in ancient times—Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

AJANTA CAVES:-

• Ajanta Caves are a collection of 30 caves of various sizes discovered in a horseshoe-shaped stretch of rock embedded in a hill overlooking a narrow stream known as Waghora.

• Each cave was interconnected to the stream by a flight of steps that have since been removed, leaving just a few remnants. The caverns are named after Ajanta, a local settlement.

• It contains masterworks of Buddhist sacred art, including figures of the Buddha and renditions of stories concerning Buddha's previous lives.

• The caves were developed in two phases, the first beginning about the 2nd century BC and the second approximately 400–650 AD. 

• During the monsoon, Buddhist monks used to retreat to this quiet location, and because they had so much free time during these retreats, they used it to pursue their religious journey through prayer and conversation.

Vihara and Chaitya griha were the two types of caves. Viharas are monasteries where people can live and pray. Small compartments line the sidewalls of these square chambers. Monks used these chambers for rest and other tasks, while the larger square space in the center was used for prayer. A colonnaded porch often stands in front of the vihara, with another room inside the doors running parallel to the porch. The Chaitya grihas, or prayer halls, are the other types of caves. These are caverns with long tunnels and spherical pillars on both sides. The stupa, which is a symbol of Lord Buddha, is located at the cave's end.

These caverns have been abandoned on two occasions. For nearly 300 years, because the local population had largely converted to Hinduism. With the ascension of emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty, the caves and their excavation regained their vibrancy but were again disrupted by Harishena's death in 477 AD. It took approximately 1,000 years for John Smith, a British officer of the Madras Presidency, to unintentionally discover the entrance to Cave No. 10. Although this is far from normal eyesight now, John marked the walls with his name and date. 

One Must See These Five Ajanta Caves Paintings:-

1). Bodhisattva Padmapani 

Buddha's earlier existence is depicted as a painting in cave number 1 in the Ajanta caves. Some of the most magnificent carvings and sculptures from Gautam Buddha's life can be seen in cave number 1 of the Ajanta caves.

2).  Janaka the King and his Wife

This is a painting of King Janaka of Videha and his wife sitting in the palace. He is shown conversing wit her and explaining why he wants to give up his worldly life, live in seclusion, and seek salvation.

3). The Persian Ambassador's Painting

This ceiling painting, found in cave number 1 of the Ajanta caves, is a broad decorative pattern that demonstrates the prominence of Persian culture in ancient India. It does not relate to any specific religious theme. A white-skinned Persian diplomat is depicted in the picture, surrounded by dark-skinned natives.

4). Paintings of Buddha

This painting in cave number 6 of the Ajanta caves illustrates many events in Buddha's life with elaborately stunning paintings on the doors. Even while it was unfinished and not entirely developed, this double-story cave was utilized as a monk's residence. In this cave, there is also a Buddha statue.

5. Doorway Painting

This gateway mural, one of several in the Ajanta caves, displays images of monarchs and communities enjoying one other's company while eating and drinking in revelry.

ELLORA CAVES:

Ellora caves are made up of 34 monasteries and temples that are carved side by side into the face of towering basalt rock and stretch for more than 2 kilometers. The caverns were constructed between the 5th and 10th centuries and are considered one of India's best examples of rock-cut architecture.

Cave temples dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism may be found in Ellora. The Buddhist caves, which date from the 5th to the 8th centuries, were among the first constructions built.

• Viharas or monasteries, which were massive, multi-story buildings carved into the mountain face and included living quarters, sleeping quarters, kitchens, and other rooms, make up the majority of these constructions.

• The Vishwakarma cave, often known as the "carpenter's cave," is the most well-known Buddhist cave.

Ellora is known for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cave temples built during the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta empires' reigns 6th and 9th centuries. These caverns reflect a unique approach to creative concept and execution. 

Some of them were so complicated that they took several generations of planning and coordination to finish. The Kailasha, named after Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva's dwelling, is the most famous of all Hindu caves. 

It appears to be a freestanding, multi-story temple complex, yet it was carved out of a single piece of granite and spans an area twice the size of Athens' Parthenon. It took a hundred years to finish the Kailasha alone.