• Dr.Anand B

Abstract Ellora caves, situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state, represent the the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. These caves are invaluable assets of our history situated in the Western Ghat. This hill area is known by different names; Sahyadri in Karnataka, Neelagiri in Tamil nadu, Annaimalai in Kerala, Coramandel in Orissa and Charanadri in Maharashtra. These caves were first excavated by a British Officer John Smith in 1819. There are a total of 34 caves in this hill out of which 12 are Buddhist temples, 17 Braminical and 5 are Jain temples. These caves were built between 5th Century and 11th century by various dynasties that ruled over this region. The caves are locally known as Verul Leni. UNESCO has declared these caves as one of the World Heritage Sites in the year 1983. Among the total 34 caves, 1 to 12 caves are Buddhist temples and monasteries, 13 to 29 belong to Hindu faith and 30 to 34 caves belong to Jainism.

Key Words: Charanadri, Kailasanatha, Rameshwara, Teen Tal, Dashavathara, Vishwakarma, Ravan Ki Khai, Indrasabha, Jaganathasabha,

"Discovering the architectural wonder of Ellora Caves: A pride of India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 1, page no.300-306, January-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1801360.pdf

"Discovering the architectural wonder of Ellora Caves: A pride of India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 1, page no. pp300-306, January-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1801360.pdf