Historical Geography of Ancient India c7.133

c7.133

*Ellore*.—It is also known as Ellūra or Ilvalapura. It is probably the modern name of Kamalākarapura or Kolanu in Telugu. It is on the bank of the Kolleru lake in the Godāvarī district (*S.I.I.*, Vol. II, p. 308). It is famous for its Kailāśanātha temple. The caves at Ellore or Ellora in the north-west of the Nizam’s territory, about 16 miles from Aurangabad, are some of the most important Buddhist caves of India. *Bhikṣugṛihas*, known as *Dumaḷeṇas* are the first excavations made at the site. There are Brahmin and Jaina caves in addition to the Buddhist caves. The Buddhist caves contain distinct signs of later Mahayana sect. The cave No. 2 contains galleries full of images of the Buddha, seated on a lotus in a preaching attitude. In the north-east corner there is a figure of the Buddha very rough and almost unfinished. There is also a colossal Buddha seated on a *Siṃhāsana*. In these caves the Buddha is seen in the attitude of preaching or in the *Dharmacakra-mudrā*. The walls are covered profusely with images of Buddha and Buddhist sages. The cave No. 3 is a Vihāra cave containing twelve cells for monks. The walls have also many carvings of Buddhist sages. The cave No. 4 is in ruins. At the north end of this cave there is a prominent figure of Padmapāṇi attended by two females. The cave No. 6 contains an ante-chamber in front of a shrine full of sculptures. In the cave No. 9 there is an image of the Buddha with various attendants. The cave No. 10 is a beautiful Caitya-cave, where there is a large open court in front. The carvings are very beautiful and the façade is highly ornamental. The inner side of the gallery within the chapel is divided into three compartments, full of figures. A gigantic figure of the Buddha is carved in front of the dagoba. The cave No. 11 is two-storied, and this cave is similar to the cave No. 13 in outer appearance. The caves Nos. 11 and 13 contain an open court, cells in the walls, and show signs of Mahāyānism.