The earliest caves in Maharashtra were probably natural rock shelters used by prehistoric people. Later, people began to carve out their own caves, either as homes or as places of worship.
Top 10 Caves In Maharashtra
1.AJANTA CAVES
The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form. The site is a protected monument in the care of the Archaeological Survey of India, and since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read More >> A Glimpse into History: Exploring the Majestic Ajanta Caves
2.ELLORA CAVES
The Ellora Caves are a complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples in India, created between the 5th and 10th centuries. The caves were built in two stages: the first phase between the 5th and 7th centuries, and the second phase between the 9th and 10th centuries.
The Ellora Caves were built by a number of different rulers and dynasties, including the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Yadavas. The caves were used as both religious and political centres, and were also used as a place of refuge during times of war.
The Ellora Caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
3.ELEPHANTA CAVES
The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri Island, in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arched outcrop of basalt rock, consists of two groups of caves – the first is a set of five Hindu caves, the second, a set of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, while the Buddhist caves contain rock cut stone sculptures that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha.
The Elephanta Caves were created between the 5th and 8th centuries AD, and were used as a place of worship until Portuguese settlers arrived in the 16th century. The Portuguese destroyed many of the Hindu sculptures, and converted the caves into a Christian chapel. The caves were then abandoned, and fell into disrepair.
In the late 18th century, British surveyors rediscovered the caves, and they became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century. In 1864, the caves were declared a monument by the British government, and in 1987, they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Elephanta Caves are an important historical and archaeological site, and are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mumbai.
4.KARLA CAVES
The KARLA caves are a set of ancient rock-cut caves located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The caves were carved out of a hillside in the 2nd century BCE, and continued to be used by Buddhist monks until the 12th century CE. The caves are best known for their elaborate carvings and sculptures, which include scenes from the life of the Buddha and scenes from Hindu mythology.
Read More>> Discover the Fascinating History and Architecture of Karla Caves-Location, Entrance Fee, and More
5.BHAJI CAVES
The Bhaji Caves are a group of five rock-cut cave temples located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. They were built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries BCE and are decorated with relief carvings of Hindu deities. The caves are located in the town of Bhaja, near the city of Lonavala.
6.BEDSE CAVES
The bedse caves are a series of rock-cut caves located in the Western Ghats of India. They were carved out of a hillside by Buddhist monks in the 2nd century BCE. The caves were used as a monastic complex, and consisted of cells, courtyards, and shrines. The complex was abandoned in the 5th century CE, and fell into ruin.
7.LENYADRI CAVES
The Lenyadri caves are a group of about 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves located near Junnar in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The caves were excavated during the period of the Satavahana dynasty (1st–3rd centuries CE).
The caves are located on a hill called Lenyadri, which is sometimes spelled Lenyachi. The word Lenyadri is derived from the Sanskrit words Lena meaning "cave" and Adri meaning "mountain".
The Lenyadri caves are numbered sequentially from west to east. The first cave is the largest and most ornate, and was probably used as a chaitya (prayer hall). It has a stupa in the centre, and a statue of the Buddha in the sanctum sanctorum.
The remaining caves are viharas (monasteries), and were probably used for study and meditation. Most of the caves have cells cut into the rock, with stone benches along the walls.
The Lenyadri caves are an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, as they are believed to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha's cousin, Ananda. Every year, hundreds of Buddhists from all over the world visit the caves to pay homage to Ananda.
8.AURANGABAD CAVES
The Aurangabad Caves are a group of nine rock-cut Buddhist shrines located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The caves were carved out of a hillside in the 6th century CE, and were used as a monastery and a pilgrimage site.
The Aurangabad Caves were first brought to the attention of the Western world by the British archaeologist John Marshall, who visited them in 1819. Marshall described the caves as "the most interesting and perfect specimens of Buddhist architecture and sculpture that I have met with in India".
The caves were excavated in the early 20th century by the archaeologist Alexander Rea, and were declared a protected monument in 1956.
The Aurangabad Caves are a popular tourist destination, and are one of the most visited sites in Maharashtra.
9.LIMESTONE CAVES
The history of limestone caves is a long and complicated one. It is believed that the first limestone caves were formed over two million years ago. The exact process by which they were formed is still not fully understood, but it is thought that the caves were created by the slow process of water erosion.
The first humans to inhabit the Earth would have likely used these caves as shelter from the elements. Over time, they began to use the caves for religious ceremonies and burial rites. The first evidence of this was found in the form of cave paintings. These ancient paintings provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited these caves.
As time went on, the use of limestone caves changed. They became tourist destinations and were used for recreation. Today, there are still many people who enjoy exploring these unique and fascinating places.
10.BAHROT CAVES
The Bahrot caves are a system of caves located in the Western Ghats of India. They are believed to be among the oldest caves in the world, and have been used by humans for over 30,000 years. The caves were first discovered in 1819 by British explorer, William E. Daniell. However, it wasn't until 1881 that the caves were properly explored and documented by British archaeologist, John Marshall. The caves are located in a remote and rugged area, and are only accessible by foot.
The Bahrot caves are home to a number of ancient paintings and carvings. The most famous of these is the "Dancing Shiva" painting, which is thought to date back to the Neolithic period. The painting depicts a figure of a man dancing in a shamanic trance. Other notable paintings include depictions of animals, such as elephants, tigers, and lions. The carvings in the caves are equally as impressive, and include scenes of hunting and war.
The Bahrot caves have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are a popular tourist destination. Visitors to the caves can see the ancient paintings and carvings up close, and even participate in guided tours.
Showing 0 verified guest comments