The Ellora Caves, one of the largest temple/monastic sites in the world, are located 30 km north-northwest of Aurangabad, India, near the village of Ellora. Followers of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism built this complex approximately between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. There are 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves and five Jain caves. The fact that these groups built their structures so close to each other, and sometimes at the same time, is evidence of the religious harmony that existed in this period of Indian history. The builders cut the Ellora Caves from the surface of the Charanandri Hills, a volcanic basalt formation. Work began around 500 AD Buddhist caves were excavated around 500-750 AD Hindu caves were excavated around 600-870 AD, while Jain caves were excavated around 800-1000 AD Temples and monasteries were carved later to each other in the basalt cliff face. There are 34 caves in total numbered chronologically, starting with the oldest Buddhist cave at the southern end of the site....