Ellora: Monumental Legacy

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The cave temples at Ellora, excavated between the sixth and tenth centuries AD, showcase the evolution of Indian sculptural art. Combining soaring scale with intricate detail, the carved edifices stand testimony both to the mastery of sculptors and the enduring vision of a uniquely Indian aesthetic.

Written by an acknowledged expert on the subject, this book provides a succinct overview of the monument's historical background and discusses the development of this World Heritage site in religious, architectural and artistic contexts. General readers and informed tourists interested in India's most famous cave temples will find this book both fascinating and useful. It will also interest students of history, cultural studies, arts and architecture.

About the Author:

M.K. Dhavalikar retired as Professor of Archaeology and Director of the Deccan College Post-Graduate Research Institute, Pune.

Cover Illustration

Cave 10 (Vishwakarma), interior of the chaitya with Buddha image carved over the stupa. Courtesy. American Institute of Indian Studies.

Excerpts From Reviews

'…here is something that is not only readable and accessible, but also well researched and sober in its account of the country's heritage…. It is a slender, serious and fascinating overview of the great Buddhist, Hindu and Jain Cave temples that form such a splendid showcase of Indian sculptural art.' - Sunday Mid-Day

'The author takes us on a wondrous journey, charting the development of cave architecture and sculpture in the Deccan in general and in Ellora in particular. Addressed to the general public by an expert, this book is well illustrated with maps, plans and photographs.' - The Mail

'The author, an expert in the field, dwells on religion, iconography, history and the development of cave architecture and sculpture.' - Indian Express