Ajanta Caves, Buddhist caves in India.
The Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India.
The caves were built in two phases, the first phase started around the 2nd century BCE, while the second phase was built around 400-650 CE, according to older accounts, or all in a brief period of 460 to 480 according to Walter M. Spink.
The Ajanta Caves constitute ancient monasteries and worship-halls of different Buddhist traditions, with paintings and sculptures that are rich in detail, color and artistic skill.
The caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near Jalgaon and just outside the village of Ajinṭha.
The Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Location: Sambhajinagar district
Inception: 2 Century BCE
Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap