Brief synthesisThe caves at Ajanta are excavated out of a vertical cliff above the left bank of the river Waghora in the hills of Ajanta. Altogether, six caves (caves 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A) were excavated in the first phase by Hinayana/Theravadin followers of Buddhism, wherein Buddha was worshipped in an aniconic/symbolic form. The unfinished caves (caves 5, 24, 29) provide excellent evidences of techniques and methodology employed in rock excavation. Ajanta Caves exemplifies one of the greatest achievements in ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. AuthenticityThe authenticity of Ajanta Caves is expressed through the architectural forms of chaityagrihas and viharas as well as the schemes used in decorating these spaces, such as sculptures and painted panels depicting various Buddhist traditions.