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Barabar Caves

Location and Historical Background:

  • The rock-cut caves are located in Jehanabad district, Bihar.
  • These caves are among the oldest surviving examples from the Maurya Empire period.

Site Description:

  • The caves are situated in the twin hills of Barabar and Nagarjuni.
  • Some caves are attributed to Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha, as indicated by inscriptions in Brahmi script on the cave walls.
  • The caves were donated to monks of the Buddhist and Ajivika sects.

Purpose of the Caves:

  • The caves were intended as residences for monks (Viharas. and as assembly halls (Chaityas ).

Architectural Features:

  • The caves consist of two chambers carved out of granite, featuring a polished internal surface.
  • The main caves include the Lomas Rishi and Sudama Caves.

Lomas Rishi Cave:

  • The Lomas Rishi cave is characterized by an arch-like facade that imitates the style of ancient wooden architecture.

Udayagiri- Khandagiri Caves

  • Located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha
  • Comprises of 33 rock-cut caves spread across both hills.
  • Most caves are single-storied, with some being double-storied.
  • These caves served as dwelling retreats for Jaina monks.
  • Excavated during the reign of King Kharavela and his successors.

Ranigumpha Caves:

  • Known as the largest and double-storied caves among the group.

Hathigumpha Inscription:

  • A 17-line inscription attributed to King Kharavela, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
  • Written in Prakrit using Brahmi script.
  • Highlights various aspects of Kharavela’s reign, including:
  • Military conquests
  • Support for Jainism
  • Construction projects
  • Religious tolerance
  • Patronage of arts such as music and dance
  • Retrieval of a Jina image, marking the earliest reference to image worship in Jainism.

Guntupalli Caves

The Buddhist monuments in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh are a significant archaeological site. These monuments date back to the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE and showcase the rich cultural and religious history of the region.

Rock-cut Caves and Chaitya:

  • The rock-cut portion of the site features two ancient Buddhist caves.
  • These caves are part of a larger complex that includes a chaitya, which is a prayer hall used by Buddhists.

Stupas:

  • In addition to the caves and chaitya, the site also contains many stupas.
  • Stupas are dome-shaped structures that house relics and are important in Buddhist tradition.

Badami Caves

Early Chalukyas and Vatapi:

  • The Early Chalukyas, a dynasty in southern India, established Vatapi (modern-day Badami) in 540 AD as their capital.
  • Vatapi was known for its sandstone cave temples and early structural temples, showcasing the beginnings of southern Indian architecture.

Destruction by Pallavas:

  • In the 7th century, the Pallavas, led by Narasimhavarma I, attacked and destroyed Vatapi.
  • Narasimhavarma I commemorated his victory by adopting the title Vatapikonda, meaning "the conqueror of Vatapi."

Inscriptions and Temples:

  • The site features early inscriptions in Sanskrit and Kannada, including one from 543 CE during Pulakeshi I's reign.
  • Temples such as the Muktheeswara and Melagutti Sivalaya, along with the Bhutanatha and Mallikarjuna groups, are notable for their intricate carvings and paintings.
  • The early Chalukyan style is characterized by rock-cut cave temples dedicated to deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras, with depictions of Lord Nataraja in various dance poses.

Mahabalipuram Caves

Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, founded by the Pallava King Narsimhavarman Mamalla and Rajasimhavarman in the 7th century AD.

  • Cave temples, monolithic rathas, sculpted reliefs, and structural temples were built during this period.
  • Mahabalipuram is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Famous Monuments include:
  • Descent of the Ganges:. giant open-air rock relief.
  • Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots): These are nine monolithic temples, with the Five Rathas being the most important, carved from a single piece of granite stone, named after the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
  • Shore Temple:. structural temple located along the Bay of Bengal, with its entrance facing west, away from the sea.
  • The Pallavas used the port at Mahabalipuram to launch trade and diplomatic missions to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Edakkal Rock Shelter Caves and Painting

Wayanad District, Kerala:

  • Location of two natural caves with ancient pictorial writings.
  • These writings suggest the existence of a prehistoric settlement during the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages.
  • The carvings depict human and animal figures and tools used by humans, indicating their presence in the area.
  • The inscriptions are in Tamil and Brahmi scripts.

Sittanavasal Caves

In Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu:

  • Megalithic and Jain Cave site.
  • Burials:
  • Stone circles,
  • Cist burials
  • Urn burials
  • Pottery, glass manufacturing site, iron objects
  • Sittanavasal Cave
  • Jain caves with painting and sculptures
  • Temple-cave dated to Pallava King Mahendravarman I (580–630 AD)

Painting:

  • Mural painting
  • Fresco-secco technique

Painting depicts:

  • Lotus pond with lotus flowers
  • People collecting lotuses from the pond
  • Dancing figures
  • Fish, buffaloes, elephants etc

Bedse Caves (Bhaja Cave is also nearby)

Karla Caves:

  • Located in Pune District, Maharashtra
  • Features two main caves: a chaitya (prayer hall) with a stupa and a vihara (monastic hall)
  • Part of the trio of Buddhist caves along with Bedsa and Bhaja, situated in the nearby area

Karla Caves (Bhaja Cave is also nearby)

Near Lonavala, Maharashtra:
Periods of Development:

  • 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD
  • 5th century AD to 10th century AD

Location: Along an ancient trade route
Religious Associations: Initially with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, later with Hinduism
Chaitya: Carved chaitya, among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India
Viharas: Monastic complexes carved into rock
Sculptures:

  • Human figures
  • Animals, including lions and elephants

Architectural Features: Arched entrances and vaulted interiors
Archaeological Finds: An Ashokan pillar discovered on site

Ellora Caves

  • Location: Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
  • Type: Rock-cut caves (from 6th century AD onwards).
  • Faiths: Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and Viharas.
  • Dynasties: Built during the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta periods.
  • Jain Digambara Cave Temples: Jagannatha Sabha, built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
  • Viharas: Monastic complexes.
  • Chaitya Griha: One chaitya griha (prayer hall) among the Buddhist caves.

Kailasanatha Temple:

  • Built by Rashtrakuta king Krishna III in the 8th century.
  • Dravidian architectural style.
  • Resembles Mount Kailash.
  • Free-standing, multi-storeyed temple carved from a single rock.

Dashavatara Cave: Monolithic mandapa (pillared hall) with sculptural panels depicting the ten avatars of Vishnu.
Inscriptions:

  • Grant of Dantidurga of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
  • Inscriptions on the Kailash temple.
  • Jain cave Jagannatha Sabha inscriptions naming monks and donors.

Cave Paintings: Present at Ellora.

Ajanta Caves

  • The Ajanta Caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India.
  • These caves date back from the 2nd century BC to the 7th century AD and are renowned for their intricate rock-cut architecture and beautiful frescoes.
  • In 1983, the Ajanta Caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their outstanding universal value.
  • The famous 7th-century Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang (also known as Huen Tsang), mentioned the Ajanta Caves in his writings, highlighting their significance during his time.

Phases of Construction:

  • The Ajanta Caves were built in two main phases:
    • The first phase, during the Satavahana period, was associated with Hinayana Buddhism.
    • The second phase, during the Vakataka period, saw the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • The caves are known for their elaborate and intricate designs, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of that era.

Architecture of the Caves:

  • The architectural style of the caves includes both chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monastic quarters).
  • Early Viharas were simpler in design and lacked shrines. Later Viharas featured shrines at the rear, often housing a statue of Buddha. This evolution in design reflects the shift from Hinayana to Mahayana Buddhism.

Paintings and Murals:

  • The caves are adorned with stunning mural paintings that depict various Buddhist themes, including Jataka tales, which narrate the previous lives of the Buddha.
  • These paintings are characterized by their use of a wide range of colors, showcasing the vibrant artistic expression of the time.

Bagh Caves

Buddhist Rock-Cut Caves in Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh:

  • Location: North-west of Ajanta, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Type: Rock-cut caves used as Viharas (monastic quarters) by Buddhists.

Architecture:

  • The architectural plan is similar to that of the Ajanta caves.
  • All caves have a quadrangular plan.
  • Each cave features a chamber at the back that serves as the chaitya (prayer hall).

Mural Paintings:

  • Paintings are found on walls, pillars, and ceilings.
  • They depict Buddhist themes and Jataka tales (stories of the previous lives of the Buddha).

Inscription:

  • A copper plate inscription of Maharaja Subandhu was discovered, recording his donation for the repair of the vihara.

Pandavleni Caves or Nasik Caves

Nashik district in Maharashtra is home to a significant Buddhist cave site. This site features 24 caves that were primarily carved between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE. The caves include Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monastic quarters).

  • The caves were carved and donated by various kings, with the Satavahanas being the most prominent.
  • Inside the caves, there are images of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and sculptures representing the king, farmers, and merchants.
  • Some of the caves are connected by stone-cut ladders, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the time.
  • The site also features an excellent ancient water management system, including water tanks that highlight the advanced engineering skills of the period.

Kanheri Caves

1. Location and Influence:

  • The caves are situated near Mumbai and show strong Buddhist influence.

2. Time Period:

  • These caves date from the first century BCE to the 10th century CE.

3. Cave Features:

  • Earlier caves were not decorated, but later caves include various features such as:
  • Stone plinths
  • Chaityas (prayer halls)
  • Stone pillars
  • Stupas (Buddhist shrines)
  • Viharas (monastic quarters)

4. Sculptures and Inscriptions:

  • The caves feature carved Buddhist sculptures, including deities like Avalokiteshwara.
  • Inscriptions in Brahmi script mention the marriage of Satavahana ruler Vashishtiputra Satakarni with the daughter of RudradamanI.

5. Paintings and Trade Connections:

  • Some caves contain Buddhist paintings.
  • These caves were also connected with trade centers, indicating their significance in trade.

Elephanta Caves

  • Located on a small island near Mumbai, Elephanta Caves were known as Gharapuri, meaning "the city of Caves," in ancient times.
  • The caves are divided into two groups: five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves.
  • The Hindu caves feature rock-cut stone sculptures dedicated to Shiva, carved from basalt rock.
  • The Buddhist caves do not have any inscriptions, but Kshatrapa coins from the 4th century AD have been found in the area.
  • The main creators of the caves were the Chalukyas and, mostly, the Rashtrakutas during the 7th and 8th centuries.
  • During the Rashtrakutas period, notable sculptures such as the Trimurti of Elephanta, depicting three faces of Shiva, as well as Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara, were created.
  • In 1534, the Gujarat Sultanate surrendered Elephanta to the Portuguese, who named the island "Elephanta Island" in honor of a large rock-cut statue of an elephant that had been installed on a mound.

Adamgarh Rock Shelter Caves and Painting

Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh:

  • Known for its ancient rock shelters and paintings from pre-historic times.
  • Tools from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods have been discovered here.
  • Microliths, especially geometric shapes like triangles and trapezes, were commonly found.
  • Remains of both wild and domestic animals were uncovered.
  • Pottery dating back to the microlithic period was also found.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelter Caves and Painting

Rock Shelters in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh:

  • These rock shelters date back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods and are recognized as a World Heritage site.
  • Tools from the Paleolithic period were primarily made of quartzite and sandstone and were large in size. In contrast, Mesolithic tools were usually made of chalcedony and were smaller.
  • The floors of these shelters were paved with flat stone slabs.
  • No animal bones have been found in these shelters so far.

Rock Cave Paintings:

  • The rock shelters also feature a natural art gallery with rock cave paintings.
  • These paintings span numerous layers from the Paleolithic to Mesolithic periods and depict various themes such as:
  • Hunting by men
  • Dancing
  • Children playing
  • Women working
  • Signs of proto-family setups

Udaigiri Caves

  • Near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, there are rock-cut caves, with one dedicated to Jainism and 23 to Hinduism.
  • The caves feature iconography of Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Shaivism.
  • Notable relief sculptures include Vishnu in his incarnation as the man-boar Varaha.
  • Inscriptions from the Gupta dynasty, particularly from the reigns of Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta I, are present.
  • The caves also contain Jaina and Hindu inscriptions, including one of the oldest Jaina inscriptions dating back to 425 CE.
  • The Heliodoros Garuda Pillar of Vasudeva is located near Udaygiri, Besnagar.

Lakhudiyar

The rock shelters on banks of river Suyal in Kumaon hills, Uttarakhand

  • Lakhudiyar means one lakh caves.
  • A pre-historic rock- painting site.
  • Painting can be divided into three categories man, animal and geometric pattern in white, black and red ochre.
  • Humans are represented in stick like form.
  • Long snouted animal, a fox, and multi legged lizard are animal motifs.
  • Wavy lines and rectangles and dots were geometric designs.
  • Interesting find is a hand linked dancing human figure.
The document Ancient Cave Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
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FAQs on Ancient Cave Sites - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What are some of the most significant ancient cave sites in India?
Ans. Some of the most significant ancient cave sites in India include the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, and the Bhimbetka rock shelters. The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their intricate frescoes and Buddhist art, while the Ellora Caves showcase a harmonious blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture. The Bhimbetka rock shelters are noted for their prehistoric rock paintings.
2. What is the historical significance of the Ajanta Caves?
Ans. The Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE and are significant for their stunning wall paintings and sculptures that depict the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. They provide insights into the art, culture, and religious practices of ancient India, serving as an important source for the study of Buddhist history.
3. How were the ancient caves in India created?
Ans. Ancient caves in India were primarily created through rock-cut architecture, where artisans carved out structures from solid rock. This involved chiseling away stone to create temples, monasteries, and residential spaces, often using simple tools. The process required immense skill and labor, reflecting the architectural ingenuity of the time.
4. What role did the ancient caves play in the spread of Buddhism?
Ans. The ancient caves, particularly those like the Ajanta and Ellora, served as important centers for Buddhist monastic life, education, and meditation. They were places where monks could live, study, and teach, thus playing a crucial role in the spread and practice of Buddhism throughout India and beyond.
5. Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites among the ancient caves in India?
Ans. Yes, both the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The recognition highlights their cultural significance, artistic excellence, and the historical importance of the rock-cut architecture, making them vital to the heritage of India and the world.
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