Who commissioned the construction of some of the earliest artificial caves in the third century BCE?

King Ashoka

A remarkable facet of early temple architecture was the creation of structures carved out of colossal rocks, resembling man-made caves. This practice of sculpting artificial caves boasted an extensive lineage, with the earliest instances dating back to the third century BCE, commissioned by Asoka for the Ajivika sect renouncers.

This architectural tradition underwent progressive transformations over time, culminating in the eighth century with the extraordinary feat of crafting an entire temple, known as Kailashnatha – dedicated to Shiva. An inscription on a copperplate bears testament to the astonishment of the chief sculptor upon the completion of the Ellora temple, vividly expressing his marvel: "Oh how did I make it!" This journey from rudimentary cave structures to the intricate marvel of the Kailashnatha temple stands as a testament to the evolving craftsmanship and innovation in temple architecture.