The Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta in Maharashtra contain the finest examples of early Indian art

Some of the 30 caves are more than 2000 years old

The caves were used either as prayer halls or as monk quarters - a complete monastery hewn out of the rock

Most caves had walls and ceilings covered with elaborate paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha (Jatakas)

Similarly impressive is the main stupa at Sanchi near Bhopal

It represents the oldest standing building in the whole of South Asia

Beautiful stone carvings on the gates depict life in India around 2000 years ago

The Vipassana Global Pagoda in Mumbai, still under construction, is a symbol of modern resurrection of Buddhism in India