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.