According to the Times of India the caves date back approximately 1500 years, yet they have remained surprisingly preserved from insects, natural conditions, and decay. Thanks to a recent study, scientists believe they have discovered the reason the caves are so well preserved - hemp. The study was conducted by former superintending archaeological chemist of the Archaeological Survey of India's science branch, Rajdeo Singh, and a botany teacher from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, MM Sardesai.
The exact time the caves were constructed is unknown, with estimates ranging from 200 BC through 1000 AD. Located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, the caves are comprised of 34 stunning stone temples that extend approximately 1.2 miles (1.93 km). The three main religions of India are represented by the Ellora Caves. Of the 34 stone temples, 17 represent Hinduism, 12 represent Buddhism, and 5 represent Jainism.
The temples were artfully crafted, some reaching three stories high. The floors and ceilings were carefully fashioned to be level and smooth, showing that a great deal of effort and labor went into the creation of the temples.
Within each temple are beautiful paintings and stone carvings. "The caves are breathtaking examples of rock-cut architecture that stands testimony to the imagination and artistry of its creators," report Singh and Sardesai in their article the journal Current Science (pdf).
The preservation of such a beautiful site, which is both historically and religiously significant, is a gift to modern society. By seeing and studying the structures and carvings one can learn more about the ancient people of India, and what they considered to be of religious importance.
Read entire article here.
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