Ancient Cave Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Barabar Caves

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.