The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district, are 30 ancient rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are renowned for their exceptional paintings and sculptures depicting Buddhist themes, including the life of the Buddha. Carved into a cliff along the Waghur River gorge, the caves served as monasteries and monsoon retreats for monks. Rediscovered in 1819, they remain among the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture.