Ellora Caves: three traditions and the famous Kailasa temple
A history and heritage revision guide to the Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain monuments at Ellora.
UNESCO describes Ellora as a group of rock-cut monuments associated with Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain traditions. The Kailasa temple is Cave 16, within the Brahmanical group.
The three groups
Ellora's caves and monuments were created over centuries and reflect different religious traditions. UNESCO groups caves 1–12 as Buddhist, 13–29 as Brahmanical and 30–34 as Jain in its overview.
Kailasa, Cave 16, is especially notable for its monumental rock-cut architecture. It is carved from the rock rather than assembled in the same way as a building made from separate blocks.
Why it matters for GK
For exams, connect Ellora with Maharashtra, rock-cut architecture, religious diversity and UNESCO World Heritage status. Do not confuse Ellora with Ajanta, another major cave-monument site with a different artistic and historical emphasis.
UNESCO's site page is the best starting point for the official description and conservation context.
Editorial note
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Frequently asked questions
Which cave contains the Kailasa temple at Ellora?
Cave 16.