Situated
just on the fringes of Aurangabad are the caves that were carved out
during the 2nd to 6th century in Maharashtra. These caves are ten in
number and have been shaped out of somewhat soft rock. Tantric Hinduism
has been the inspiration of their architecture and iconography.
Aurangabad Caves are to be found at two different locations, at a
distance of a kilometer. These two locations are referred to as Western
Group Caves (Cave 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (cave 6-10). Western Group Caves
Regarding Western Group Caves, the architecture is absolutely fascinating. Majority of the caves are monasteries, excluding Cave 4 that is perhaps the oldest cave and represents the prayer hall of Hinayana phase amidst its ridged roof and stupa in the forefront. The monasteries essentially represent the early style of Buddhist monastery having an open court, encircled by open cells. Cave 3 is the masterpiece amongst all, with its beautifully carved pillars and sculptures depicting scenes from the Jatakas. Other caves are essentially monasteries, which usual have an open court encircled by open cells.
Eastern Group Caves
The Eastern Group Caves are no less than the former group in terms of design and architecture. Cave 6 is considerable for its amazing picturization of women, specially their hairstyles and ornamentation. Outside this cave, you can see amazing figure of both, Lord Ganesha and Buddha. Whereas Cave 7 is the most remarkable of all the caves in Aurangabad, principally for its sculptures that portray figures of women meagerly dressed and richly ornamented. It also indicates the augment of Tantric Buddhism during the period. A visit to Aurangabad Caves would give an insight into the rock-cut architecture of India.