Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Ellora Caves
The famous Ellora caves are located in the lap of the Chamadari hills. These
historical caves are regarded as world heritage and are situated 18 miles
northwest of Aurangabad. The Ellora Caves are as old as 300 years. At first
sight, the Ellora appears to the visitors as an asymmetrical ridge of rock,
emerging vertically from the ground.
Ellora Caves - History
A wonderful example of cave temple architecture, the world heritage Ellora
caves own elaborate facades and intricately carved interiors. These carved
structures on the inner walls of the caves reflect the three faiths of Hinduism,
Buddhism and Jainism. These exotic caves were carved during 350 AD to 700 AD
period.
The Chalukya - Rashtrakuta rulers (7th - 10th cnetury) were the main patrons
of the cave temples of Ellora. Many kings and Merchants donated huge sums of
money for the construction of these cave temples. Some religious beliefs and
ethical codes forced the rulers to encourage the buliding of these temples.
Building of these temples was supposed to give salvation and religious
excellance to the kings.
The enchanting cave shrines of Ellora are an added value to the great Indian
Heritage.
Caves and Temples
At Ellora, there are in total 34 famous temples carved out of stone. The cave
temples of Ellora can be divided into three groups, mostly belonging to three
periods: Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. Out of 34 cave temples only 12 of the temples
belong to the Buddhist period. Infact even these temples also include the Hindu
and Jain theme. This represents the slow decline of Buddhism.
Ellora cave temples were completed after five centuries and were carved by
the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks. These historical monasteries, temples, and
chapels reflect the outstanding imagination and detail work of art . These caves
are spread from the North to South and look absolutely stunning in the late
afternoon when the golden sunrays fall on them.
Highlights of Ellora Caves
The exquisite carvings and paintings found in Ellora are its major
highlights. These carvings have marks of Hindu, Jain and Buddhsim expressions.
The wooden beams, graceful angles, steps and the mystical figures of gods and
goddesses are absolutely spellbinding. They exhibit the creative excellence of
the artist of that time.
Paintings
The famous wall paintings in Ellora are found in 5 caves, but these paintings
are preserved only in Kailasa temple. These paintings were painted in two
series, first, at the time of carving the caves and second, after many centuries
later. The paintings of the first series show Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
In the later series the main composition is that of a procession of Shaiva holy
men. The paintings also show gracefully flying 'Apsaras'. Sadly, very few such
murals in the Jain temples are well preserved.
