Ajanta Caves

Travellers to Aurangabad will find history dating back to the 2nd century BCE, when the Satavahana rulers established their capital in Pratishtanapura, today known as Paithan. It was around this time that the viharas (monasteries) were carved out of caves in what is now Ajanta, and the stunning cave paintings were made, to be lost and rediscovered in the early 19th century. The carvings in the Ellora caves track the changing fortunes of three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism between the 5th and the 10th century CE. Aurangabad has a long association with the concept of heritage. It has seen several dynasties and experienced the power of rulers of different religions, cultures and communities, each of which has left its mark on the city. The Yadava kings established their capital in Devagiri (also spelt Deogiri) and built a fort that stands to this day.