Ellora is one of the great cave temple sites of India, with thirty-four major Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments of the late sixth to tenth centuries A. D. This book describes the Buddhist caves at Ellora and places them in the context of Buddhist art and iconography. Ellora's twelve Buddhist cave temples, dating from the early seventh to the early eighth centuries, preserve an unparalleled one-hundred-year sequence of architectural and iconographical development. They reveal the evolution of a Buddhist mandala at sites in other regions often considered "peripheral" to the heartland of Buddhism in eastern India. At Ellora, the mandala, ordinarily conceived as a two-dimensional diagram used to focus meditation, is unfolded into the three-dimensional program of the cave temples themselves, enabling devotees to walk through the mandala during worship. The mandala's development at Ellora is explained and its significance is considered for the evolution of Buddhist art and iconography elsewhere in India.

This book offers a range of recipes- from hot soups and crunchy salads to lamay, tempura, relishes to accompany rich or noodies, curries and desserts. The only book of its kind!

- There are few books on this subject - Features stunning photographs Thirty-four places of worship (temples, monasteries, and shrines) were carved out of the rock between the fifth and tenth centuries over an area of around two square kilometres. All the sculpture at the site is testimony to the superb skill and sheer determination of the workforce involved, as well as being evidence of the religious harmony of the time. The monuments include all sorts of architectural and decorative features that display the utmost splendor and inventiveness: columns, staircases, reliefs, stuccos, and even surviving patches of painted decoration. In the past, the extraordinary work at the site has unfortunately been eclipsed by the exceptional nature of its surroundings. The architecture and sculpture are often immersed in darkness and this has made it impossible to create the kind of photographic record that would give their stunning quality the visibility it deserves. But now Iago Corazza, with his ultra-sensitive photographic equipment, is able at last to give lovers of Indian art and enthusiasts the chance to fully appreciate this wonderful, indeed unique, group of rock-cut temples. The task of explaining the meaning and significance of these works as they emerge from the dark is entrusted to the expertise of Gilles Béguin. Following the success of Khajuraho, readers have the chance to explore another treasure of Indian art accompanied by a distinguished guide, with the benefit of photos that at last do their marvelous subjects full justice.

In between the 1960s and 80s Ajanta and Ellora drew the attention of many scholars, historians and researchers who explored these caves, evaluated and analyzed them, and not only wrote research papers but also books. However there were more books as well as article published on Ajanta compared to Ellora. From the 1980s to nearly 2000 and a little later the number of scholars, researchers working on these caves swindled, though a few continued to be loyal and committed to Ajanata. These later books concentrated on studies related certain theories of time span, historical perspective, an exhaustive comparative study. These were all serious studies little comprehended by the common readers. Hence the present book is mainly written with the objective of presenting a descriptive study of both Ajanta and Ellora as well as in depth study f textiles, jewellery of Ajanta etc. for the general reader audience who desire to understand details of sculptures, painting and architecture to understand details of sculptures, painting and architecture. The script is also supported by line drawings and photographs, ground plans and maps to offer a more graphic perception and appreciation of the caves. This book will serve a crore section of society who will definitely enjoy the visual commentary on these renowned cave temples. Both these world heritage sites have also the added advantage of financial aid by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JBICA) that has supported the development, landscaping and beautification of these monuments. For the tourists all facilities, amenities and services are provided. The book also takes note of these developments.

This dictionary provides those studying or working in archaeology with a complete reference to the field.