10 Amazing Rock Cut Caves in India
1. Ajanta caves, Maharashtra
Carved
between 200 BC and 600 AD, Ajanta Caves are a resplendent example of
Indian rock-cut architecture. An exotic setting, impressive
architecture, historic artwork helped tag it as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Some of the paintings and sculptures are considered to be
masterpieces of Buddhist religious art which also depict the Jataka
tales. One expert says Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka Dynasty, a
great patron of Buddhist architecture, art and culture commissioned most
of the work. The drive from Aurangabad can take two or three hours
2. Bagh Caves, Madhya Pradesh
Also
called "The Palace of Colors", the caves were cut into a vertical
sandstone rock face by master craftsmen. Meant to be Buddhist
monasteries, the caves were made sometime in the 4th or 5th century AD.
Though the paintings are disfigured due to age, it is said that the
murals expressed lively, beautiful and vivid imagination. The eventual
decline of Buddhism in India and its remoteness resulted in Tigers
living there, hence the name. Some believe the work was begun by the
Buddhist monk Dataka.
A painting of the Bodhisattva 'Padmapani' is found here and is about 150 kms from Indore and 100 from Dhar.
3. Udayagiri Caves, Orissa
Also
called Sunrise Hill, the Udayagiri Caves were made during the reign of
Kharavela of the Maha-Meghavahana Dynasty. These are finely and ornately
carved rock cut caves meant as residential blocks for Jain monks.
Sacred texts of the Jain religion has been inscribed into the rock. The
majestic appeal of the caves attracts many tourists. The caves are just 8
kilometres from Bhubaneswar
4. Badami Caves, Karnataka
One
of the best examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, the caves are cut
into red sandstone on the precipice of a hill. Dating back to around
570 AD, the first three of four caves are devoted to the Vedic faith and
the fourth is a Jaina from possibly the 8th century.
The temple complex of Aihole is just 44 Kilometres away. Badami is 110 Kilometres from Hubli and 22 Kilometres from Pattadakalu.
5. Barabar Caves, Bihar
The
oldest example of Indian Rock Cut Architecture, the rock cut chambers
date back to the 3rd century BC. the Barabar caves were home to early
Jain sects. Though Emperor Ashoka and his son Dasaratha were both
Buddhists, they supported and constructed the caves for Jain religious
activities of the Ajivika monks at this place. The caves are situated 24
km north of Gaya.
6. Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh
The
Borra caves are natural caves located in Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku
valley, which is situated 92 kilometers north from Vishakhapatnam
district of Andhra Pradesh. The caves open with about 75 meters on
vertical plane and 100 meters on horizontal plane. Borra Caves are
spread over an area of one square kilometer and is also the point of
origin for the river Gosthani. This caves is a must see if you're
visiting Vishakhapatnam. This cave is at a height of 800 to 1300 meters
from Mean Sea Level (MSL). In the year 1807, William King, the British
Geologist discovered this million years old cave. One must visit this
cave for an exotic breath taking hilly terrain, semi-evergreen moist
deciduous forests, wild fauna and beautiful landscape. This cave is said
to be the biggest in India considering the area it has spread
geographically.
7. Edakkal Caves, Kerala
Edakkal
caves on the western side of Ambukuthimala aka Ambukuthy Hills are a
set of two natural caves located about six kilometers east of
Ambalawayal in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Edakkal literally means
"the stone in between" and is a beautiful formation of nature. The
mesmerizing prehistoric rock etchings found on the walls of these caves
have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians
worldwide. The caves are situated at a general elevation of some 1200
metres above the Mean Sea Level (MSL). In 1890, Fred Fawcett, the then
Superintendent of Police of the Malabar District, explored these caves.
It was an exhilarating discovery, as these were the first specimens of
abraded drawings found in India.
8. Varaha Cave, Tamil Nadu
The
well-known Varaha cave or Boar cave is located in Mahabalipuram, near
Coromandel coast of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The Varaha cave is a temple
is dated to the late 7th century which is a bit after Arjuna's Penance.
The temple is of one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu "Varaha". This
rock-cut cave temple architecture is the part of the prestigious UNESCO
World Heritage group of monuments. The entrance of the temple has lion
bases, and the roof is topped by shrine models which are very akin to
those seen on the Pancha Rathas. Varaha cave temple is one of the major
attractions of Tamil Nadu along with other caves like Narthamalai and
Sittanavasal caves.
9. Mawsmai Caves, Meghalaya
The
Mawsmai caves are located near the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji
in Meghalaya. The beautiful limestone caves are not much far away from
the amazing Nohsngithiang Falls. Mawsmai cave is one of the most popular
caves in India. The caves, made of limestone, hypnotize the visitor the
moment one enters the caverns. The entrance is well lit, but as one
enters further inside, the weirdness and the mystery establishes. Along
with its beauty, the constant dripping of water from the cave roofs and
the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, where the roof and the
floor of the cave joins together to form pillars, adds to the beauty of
the place.
10. Jogimara Cave, Chhattisgarh
India
is a country of surprise and mystery, Jogimara Caves and Sitabenga
Caves are a miracle even by Indian standards. The Sitabenga cave is
situated on Ramgarh hills near Ambikapur in Surguja district,
Chhattisgarh. One can reach Jogimara cave through a 55 meter long
natural tunnel named as 'Hatipal', which means 'Elephant Cave', i.e.,
even an elephant can pass through it. Sita Bengra cave is a 2,300 years
old performance stage - one of the oldest theatres in the world.
According to legends during Rama Sita's exile, Sita stayed in these
caves and thus named as Sita Bengra - "Residence of Sita".
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