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Maharashtra
is famous for its cave architecture, with ancient Buddhist caves dating
back to the 2nd century BC. Later Hindu cave temples, most famously at
Ellora and
Ajanta, are similar to other
temples of that era in design but are carved from the top down out of
solid but soft rock. The mention of Maharashtra cave architecture brings
the caves of Ajanta and Ellora into limelight. Some of India's oldest wall
paintings can be traced here. The sculptures of the time are stiff and
unmoving but Maharashtra 's famous rock-cut caves have several distinct
design elements. The Buddhist caves; particularly the older ones are
either temples ('Chaityas') or monasteries ('Viharas'). Chaityas are
usually deep and narrow with a 'Stupa' at the end of the cave.