Ellora

The Ellora caves are an absolutely incredible experience. From 100 A.D. to 1200 A.D., sculptors carved Buddhist monasteries, and entire temples (Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain) into the side of a mountain. They worked top down and outside in, carving the black basalt, then coated the carvings with plaster and detailed paintings. Unfortunately, little of the plaster and paint remains (but see Ajanta!). The amazing Kailasa temple starts at photo 29 below.

Ellora: The columns are purely for show, not for structure.
Andy and Pam at Ellora caves. Cave 10; note the fake wood beams carved into the ceiling, just for style.
Ellora: the caves were later used by squatters who carved holes in the pillars (to hitch up their animals).
Ellora: Andy demonstrates the use of a Monk’s bed, one of many such cells.