The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located in the state of Maharashtra, in western India.

The Ajanta Caves were excavated in two phases, the first phase dating back to the 2nd century BCE and the second phase to the 5th and 6th centuries CE.

There are 30 caves in the Ajanta Caves complex, each of which contains intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings.

The Ajanta Caves feature stupas, viharas (monasteries), and chaityas (prayer halls), each with unique architectural and artistic elements.

The paintings and sculptures in the Ajanta Caves primarily depict scenes from the Buddhist Jatakas, stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.

Cave 1 in the Ajanta Caves is renowned for its magnificent ceiling paintings, which depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha.

The Ellora Caves were excavated primarily during the 7th century CE, under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

The Ellora Caves complex consists of 34 caves, which include Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples.

The Kailasa Temple in the Ellora Caves is an iconic example of rock-cut architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures.

The Dashavatara Cave in the Ellora Caves is known for its sculptures depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

The Jagannath Sabha in the Ellora Caves is a Jain cave temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and features intricate carvings and sculptures related to Jainism.

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their outstanding universal value, combining both cultural and natural heritage significance.

The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited the Ajanta Caves in the 7th century CE and left detailed accounts of the site's beauty and significance.

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves were carved out of solid basalt rock, which is known for its durability and resistance to weathering.

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves primarily feature scenes from Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain mythology, with no significant representation of Islamic history.