World Heritage Site
Ajanta Caves
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Overview
The Ajanta caves in Maharashtra are Buddhist rock-cut caves dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th–6th century CE. They are best known for their murals and include chaityas and viharas.
Buddhism flourished at Ajanta in the Gupta period. The caves are a cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1983.
Geography and key facts
- Maharashtra
- Buddhist caves, 2nd century BCE to 5th–6th century CE
- Famous murals; chaityas and viharas
- World Heritage Site (1983)
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked in a 2021 statement question on the Ajanta caves and a 2013 historical-places question.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1983 · Maharashtra.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 2021 · Q49Which one of the following statements is correct?…
- UPSC Prelims 2013 · Q57Consider the following historical places : Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Ajanta Caves.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Maharashtra
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1983
- Coordinates
- 20.553°N, 75.701°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 2 questions · 2021, 2013
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Ellora CavesWorld Heritage Site · MaharashtraMaratha Military LandscapesWorld Heritage Site · MaharashtraChampaner-Pavagadh Archaeological ParkWorld Heritage Site · GujaratRock Shelters of BhimbetkaWorld Heritage Site · Madhya PradeshElephanta CavesWorld Heritage Site · MaharashtraChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusWorld Heritage Site · Maharashtra
Other places in Maharashtra
All world heritage sites · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs