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Aurangabad Caves
Although they're easily overlooked in favour of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Aurangabad has its own group of caves 2 kms north of the Bibi-ka-Maqbara. They were carved out of the
hillside around the 6th or 7th century AD. The 10 caves are all
Buddhist caves - 1 to 5 are in the western group and caves 6 to 10 are 1 km away in the
eastern group.
Western Group
All the caves are viharas, except for cave 4. This is the oldest cave at Aurangabad, and is a Hinayana chaitya with a ribbed roof and is fronted by stupa and is now partially collapsed.
Cave 3 is square and is supported by 12 highly ornate columns
Eastern Group
Cave 6 is fairly intact and the sculptures of women are notable for their exotic hairstyles and ornamentation. Cave 7 is the most interesting of the Aurangabad caves, particularly for its sculptures. The figure of women, scantily clad and ornately bejewelled, are indicative of
the rise of Tantric Buddhism during this period
To the left of the cave, a huge Bodhisattv prays for deliverance from the eight dangers: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephants and a demon
(representing death).
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