Aurangabad, Ellora and Ajanta caves

Aurangabad:

The biggest and most famous landmark of Aurangabad is the Bibi Ka Maqbara, which is located just outside the center on the north side. Built in 1679, this "replica" of the Taj Mahal is meant as a mausoleum for Aurangzeb's woman.

The father of Aurangzeb is also the builder of the original Taj and after the construction was ironically locked up by his son to show extravagance. Near the Kham river is the ancient Panchakki water-wheel belonging to the mill where the wheel got its name from.

The water is taken by pipes about 6 km away; the mill would also ensure grinding grain for passing pilgrims. 

Fort Daulatabad and Khuldabad

At 13 km, halfway the Ellora caves and Aurangabad lies the hill fort of Daulatabad. The entire fort is walled by some 5 km of walls and the main part of the bastion is built on the 200 meter high hill (called hill of God). In the 14th century the fort was called Daulatabad (literally: “fortunate city”) by sultan Mohammed Tughlaq who made the city its capital.

The small town Khuldabad is located about 3 km south of Ellora and is a Muslim pilgrims place. It is here that, among other things, the last great sultan Aurangzeb of the Mogul empire is buried in a very modest tomb Here, too, Mohammed's red scarf is shown annually for thousands of Muslim pilgrims.

Ellora (caves)

For five centuries generations of monks have carved numerous monasteries, chapels and temples from volcanic rocks of the Charanandri hills. That’s what this complex with Buddhist, Hindu and Janistic temples we call Ellora caves is now. In total, 34 caves are open to the public in such an area of about 2km2.

The first caves were Buddhist, after which there were countless Hindu and the last 5 Janistic. All were carved between the 6th and 10th century AD and contain murals and (religious) objects. The caves were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.

The highlight of a visit is that of the Kailasa temple that is roughly in the middle of the complex. This rock-carved temple was built in the year 760 and has to mimic mountain Kailasa, the home of the Hindu Shiva God in the Himalayas. Not only its huge size but also the beautiful paintings are enchanting.

Ajanta caves

About 50 km north of Ellora caves are the caves of Ajanta. Also these caves are on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. There are a total of 29 (Buddhist) caves in Ajanta and these are a lot more complete than those in Ellora.

The reason is because the caves have been hidden for a long time and could so escape destruction, which mainly happened during the domination of India by Islam. Another difference is that these are built in a U-shape. Finally, there are a number of viewpoints that are worthwhile. 

On the sides of the gorge, originally dedicated to a Naga (snake king), a community of Buddhist monks (bhikkhu) began cutting out chaitiyas (temples) and viharas (monasteries). Especially the latter caves show the great days of artistic activity. The monks were supported by painters, sculptors and carpenters. The paintings illustrate the different events in the life of Prince Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and are based on the Jataka narratives (stories about the past lives of the Buddha).

In addition there are also paintings with Chinese, Greek and Roman influences. Some paintings tell about court-life and the bourgeois life of that time, in which the costume of that time is clearly recognizable. Cave 1 (far right) is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries. It is made in the end of the fifth century. In the cave you will find twenty columns that are located around a square courtyard. A Buddha statue can be found in the middle of the cave. There are paintings all around and also on the ceiling.

On the left side of the entrance you will find the Sibi Jataka, followed by the Samkhapala Jataka, which continues at the left wall. Next on the left wall are paintings from the Mahajanaka Jataka. On the right back wall the story is told from the Champeya Jakata. Decorative motifs have been painted on the ceiling, which can also be found in the work of the local textile industry. 

Other attractions:

• The Aurangabad caves and the Shivaji museum.