The Third Buddhist Council, convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE), standardized the Buddhist canon and sent missionaries to spread Buddhism.

The Tipitaka (Three Baskets) comprising Vinaya, Suttas, and Abhidhamma were formally compiled during this council.

This was crucial for establishing canonical orthodoxy.

The Ajanta caves (c. 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE) and Ellora caves (c. 5th to 10th century CE) were constructed over a long period.

The earlier Ajanta caves are primarily associated with the Satavahana dynasty, while Ellora caves were built by various dynasties including the Vakatakas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.

However, the initial patronage and bulk of construction at Ajanta is credited to the Satavahanas, making them primary contributors to these monumental rock-cut structures.