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A travelogue of
a geologist
visiting the
hand carved
ancient Cave
Shrines of
Hindus and
Buddhists near
Aurangabad in
the state of
Maharashtra in
India. These
caves were
accidentally
discovered in
early eighteenth
century.
Starting in
Mumbai (Bombay)
in Maharashtra
state, we go
through
Aurangabad to
the caves of
Ajanta and then
on to Ellora.
The Ajanta
caves, 29 of
them, are old
(200 BC -650 AD)
and were carved
out of solid
rock (basalt)
and also contain
frescos which
are preserved
even till today.
The Ellora
caves, 34 of
them, are
younger in age (350
AD to 700 AD)
and are also
carved into
Basalt rock
cliffs. Both
sets of caves
contain large,
bigger than life
size statues of
Hindu Gods and
Buddha. The art
and science of
sculpturing in
basalt rock in
the past is
compared to
present day
practices.
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