India - the country of diverse religion and culture heritage is famous all over the world for its long-established monuments and historic architecture. Tourists from all over the world visit India to get a glimpse of some fine architectural grandeur, this country depicts. India is truly a galaxy of historical monuments. Ajanta, which is one of the most renowned monument of India, has rightly been recognized as world’s greatest historical monument by UNESCO. Located at a distance of 40 kms from Jalgoan, a city in Maharashtra, Ajanta caves are 30 in number. Among all the 30 caves 9th, 10th, 19th, 26th, and 29th are chaitya- grihas and the rest are monasteries. Discovered in 1819, these caves were built in middle 2nd century BC-AD. All paintings of Ajanta, show profound religious influence, illustrating some important incidents from the life of Jakata and Lord Buddha. The paintings emerge on the land of mud-plaster in the tempera technique.

A group of Ajanta caves were discovered in 19th century. These Caves were scooped out into the heart of the hill. The paintings at the Ajanta caves demonstrate the major incidents in the life of Lord Gautama. They include the pictures of semi-mythological history, the royal court and the ancient times, as told in romantic plays. Some pictures recollect the Roman and Greek symphony and composition as well.

Ellora Caves

Ellore – the famous archeological site in India, is about 30kms away from the city of Aurangabad. Elora Caves were built by Kannada rulers. Very well known for its colossal caves, Ellore is a world heritage historical site and symbolizes an embodiment of stone -cut architecture. Carved out of the facet of Charanandri hills, theses caves are 34 in number. These caves were built between 5th century and 10th century. They represent the alliance of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions. Ellore caves are classified as the Buddhist caves, the Hindu Caves and the Jain caves.

The Buddhist caves

Cave 1 and the Vishvkarma are the major Buddhist Caves of the Ellore caves. These are one of the earliest Indian architectures. These structures contain mostly of viharas or monasteries which are the huge, multi-storied buildings engraved into the mountain facade. These multi- storied buildings contain living quarters, kitchens, sleeping quarters and other rooms. 10th number cave is the most famous Buddha cave. It is popularly known as "the carpenter’s cave". Adjacent to its entry is a Stupa hall, it is also known as Chaitya.

The Hindu Caves

The Kailasanathan and The Dashavatra are two major Hindu caves. These caves were constructed in the middle of sixth century. These caves were constructed by Kalchari rulers. The caves 28, 27 and 19 were constructed first. These were followed by two extremely astonishing cave constructions of 29th and 21st caves.

The Jain Caves

The Indra sabha is most famous Jain cave. These caves belong to the period between 9th and 10th century. These are located in the Digambara sect. These caves illustrate some important co-ordinates of Jain philosophy. They are relatively small in size as compared to other caves. The most important of these caves are Chhota Kailash, the jagannath sabha and the Indra sabha.

Ajanta and Ellora caves are the capital of Indian historical architecture and design.