Ellora Caves: Buddhist, Hindu and Jain shrines in one World Heritage site
Background
Ellora was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. It has 34 monasteries and temples. Its sanctuaries are devoted to Buddhism, Brahmanism (Hinduism) and Jainism. Caves 1-12 are Buddhist (5th-8th centuries), caves 13-29 Brahmanical (7th-10th centuries) and caves 30-34 Jaina (9th-12th centuries). Cave 16, the Kailasa temple, is described as the largest monolithic temple. UNESCO says the site illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.
Monasteries and temples:
34
Kailasa temple:
Cave 16
Inscribed on World Heritage List:
1983
Why it matters for exams: Maharashtra's World Heritage sites and the Kailasa temple are standard questions in heritage and art-history papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC