Ajanta caves were carved out from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD, and are ranked high as a world heritage site . The caves, including unfinished are thirty in number of which five (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are " Chaitya-Grihas " and the rest are " Sangharamas " or Viharas (monasteries). The caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 can be ranked high among the greatest artistic works of the contemporary world. Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad
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Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Ellora caves are finest specimens of cave temple architecture. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during 350 AD to 700 AD period. The cave monuments of Ellora were chiefly patronised by the Chalukya - Rashtrakuta rulers (7th - 10th century AD). These cave shrines are memorable for their invaluable contribution to the enormous wealth of Indian heritage. There are 34 caves in total. These can be divided into three groups belonging roughly to three periods: Buddhist, Hindu and Jain.
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The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta , being a commercial, military and religious center for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture. Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
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Udayagiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar One of the earliest of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri command a unique position in eastern India in the fields of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The records, found incised on the walls of some of these caves, furnish the supreme evidence of the existence of a powerful dynasty, the ' Chetis ' ( Chedis ).
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Khandagiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar 7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri . Twin hills honey-combed with Jain caves that reveal the sculptural art of the 2nd century BC makes an interesting study of the life and times of Jain ascetics . Khandagiri and Udayagiri rises nearly 40m above the surrounding lateritic and infertile plain. Khandagiri has 19 caves and Udaigiri has 44 caves . Khandagiri caves can be reached via the steps next to the entrance to the Udayagiricaves . The caves 1 and 2 are known as the Parrot Caves because of the birds carved over the doorways. The Ananta Cave (cave 3), with its carved figures of elephants, and women which are worth a visit. It has the best sculptures of the Khandagiri Caves.
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Edakkal Caves, Karela Archaelogists consider the caves as one of the earliest centres of human habitation . Formed by a large split in a huge rock, the two natural rock formations represent the world's richest pictographic gallery of its kind. The caves contain several paintings and pictorial writings of the New Stone-Age Civilization which speaks volumes of the bygone life and civilization Edakkal caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal . The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed in these regions in prehistoric times
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Borra Caves, Vishakhapatnam Borra caves are located at a distance of above 90-95 km from Vishakhapatnam. William King George of the Geological Survey of India discovered these caves in the year 1807. Tribals , for whom the caves are religiously significant, inhabit the whole surrounding area. Deep in the caves, there is a " Shivalingam ", over which there is an idol of a cow " Kamdhenu ", and the river Gosthani takes its origin from the udder of this cow. Due to the pressure of the flow of the Gosthani river, the limestones in the area dissolved and gradually caves were formed.
7 comments:
These are excellent places. I have seen atleast few of them.
wonderful collection!
Thanks Rajesh
Thanks magiceye
very informative post.
Thanks Sis
The power point presentation supplements your detailed write up.
right!! sir:)
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