The Buddhist Caves
The Buddhist caves (also called Vishvakarma caves) are the earliest of the Ellora Caves, dating from 500 to 750 AD. All except Cave 10 are viharas (monasteries), which were used for study, meditation, communal rituals, eating and sleeping.
The caves become steadily larger and more elaborately decorated as they progress to the north, which scholars have explained by the growing need to compete with Hinduism for patronage. The earliest Hindu caves at Ellora date from 600 AD, right in the middle of the Buddhist period.
Cave I., known as Dhedwada, is probably the oldest cave at Elura, and appears to have been attached to the next cave. It is a vihara, 41 feet 6 inches by 42 feet, and has eight cells, four in the back and four in the south side. The front has fallen, and but one pillar remains. There is also another cell outside, in the south of the verandah.
