THE CAVE TEMPLES OF INDIA

The author reveals that he spent ten years as an indigo planter in India, the profits from which allowed him to embark upon a second career as an architectural historian. Although he had no formal training, he became one of the most respected researchers in the field, particularly in Indian architecture. He made numerous trips around India in order to study and document its cave temples, publishing his first book on the subject in 1845. In 1880, he returned to the subject, collaborating with the archaeologist James Burgess (18321916) as part of the Archaeological Survey of India. It was Fergusson who first categorised the temples, suggesting that they could be classified through reference to the religious order and function. From Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, we round up a list of eight strikingly beautiful cave temples around India that demand your visit. These rockcut cave temples aren?t just rich in history, they also boast of remarkable architectural and artistic qualities that will make you wonder about the civilizations that predate modern India. Perhaps the most famous among India?s cave temples, Ajanta is estimated to have been constructed between the 2nd century B.C.E. and 7th century C.E. Consisting of about 36 separate cave structures, constructed in sets during different periods in history, Ajanta also features unique preservations of mural paintings from ancient India. Featuring over 100 caves, of which only 34 are open to public. Ellora is one of the the largest rockcut, monasterytemple cave complexes in the world. Featuring intricately detailed and elaborate carvings of various religious figures, these cave structures are architectural marvels unlike any other. Illustrated with more than 150 maps, plans and drawings, this work of impressive scope remains of relevance to students of Indian architecture and history.