David Kotz

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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.
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  • Ellora

    Ellora

    Ellora: We started at the oldest (Buddhist) caves.

  • Ellora: Modern walls and steps provide access.

    Ellora: Modern walls and steps provide access.

  • Ellora

    Ellora

    Mara at Ellora caves. It must be a lot of work to carve deeply into the black basalt!

  • Ellora: Buddha, in his teaching pose.

    Ellora: Buddha, in his teaching pose.

  • Ellora: Buddha's hands indicate he is teaching.

    Ellora: Buddha's hands indicate he is teaching.

  • Andy in Ellora caves. Most of the sculptures were larger than life.

    Andy in Ellora caves. Most of the sculptures were larger than life.

  • Andy and Mara at Ellora caves. This is a Chaitya, a shrine and gathering place.

    Andy and Mara at Ellora caves. This is a Chaitya, a shrine and gathering place.

  • Mara and Andy explore the Ellora caves.

    Mara and Andy explore the Ellora caves.

  • Ellora: Some areas seemed unfinished.

    Ellora: Some areas seemed unfinished.

  • Ellora: Cave 2, from 8th century A.D.

    Ellora: Cave 2, from 8th century A.D.

  • Andy and Pam at Ellora caves, examining one carved entryway; upper-left corner has a huge beehive.

    Andy and Pam at Ellora caves, examining one carved entryway; upper-left corner has a huge beehive.

  • Ellora: a beehive - covered in bees - above a cave entry.

    Ellora: a beehive - covered in bees - above a cave entry.

  • Ellora: A group of Muslim schoolchildren visit the caves.

    Ellora: A group of Muslim schoolchildren visit the caves.

  • Ellora

    Ellora

    Ellora: schoogirls.

  • Ellora: schoogirl.

    Ellora: schoogirl.

  • Ellora

    Ellora

    At Ellora caves, a schoolteacher asked us to pose for a photo with his group.

  • Ellora: Cave 10, from the 7th century A.D., is two stories.

    Ellora: Cave 10, from the 7th century A.D., is two stories.

  • Ellora: The columns are purely for show, not for structure.

    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.

    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: 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.

    Ellora: Andy demonstrates the use of a Monk’s bed, one of many such cells.

  • Andy at Ellora caves. Cave 12 (9th century A.D.), a three-story structure.

    Andy at Ellora caves. Cave 12 (9th century A.D.), a three-story structure.

  • Ellora: bats currently reside in Cave 12, on the ceiling.

    Ellora: bats currently reside in Cave 12, on the ceiling.

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    Ellora: Cave 2, from 8th century A.D.
    Andy and Pam at Ellora caves, examining one carved entryway; upper-left corner has a huge beehive.
    Ellora: a beehive - covered in bees - above a cave entry.