The Rashtrakuta contributions to art and architecture are reflected in the splendid rock-cut shrines at Ellora and Elephanta. It is said that they altogether constructed 34 rock-cut shrines, but most extensive and sumptuous of them all is the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora. The temple is a splendid achievement of dravidian art (ref: The Guide to the Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 1996 by Takeo Kamiya, Japan Architects Academy at http://www.indoarch.org and Archeological Survey of India, whose link is provided below. "This project was started by Krishna I (757- 773) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty that ruled from Manyaketha in present day Karnataka state. His rule had also spread to southern India, hence this temple was excavated in the prevailing style. Its builders modelled it on the lines of the Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal. Being a south Indian style temple, it does not have a shikhara common to north Indian temples". Vincent Smith extols it as the most marvelous architectural freak and one of the wonders of the world.
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