The Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form.
*Location:* Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India
*Number of caves:* 30
*Period:* 2nd century BCE - 480 CE
*Significance:* Buddhist cave monuments with paintings and rock-cut sculptures considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art
These caves were built in two phases—the first phase during the Satavahana dynasty that ranged roughly from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE, while the second phase was built under the Vakataka dynasty during the 5th and 6th centuries CE.