Ajanta-era Buddhist Caves

In News

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported 26 Buddhist caves in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve following an exploration exercise this year.

About

• History: 
  • The caves date back to the time between 2nd century BC and 5th century BC, and pertain to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. 
  • The exploration was held in the region for the first time since 1938.
  • These findings would approximately date back to the same time as the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Other findings: 
  • Besides the caves, other remains of Mahayana sect, such as chaitya-shaped doors and cells containing stone beds, have also been reported. 
  • A Buddhist pillar fragment containing miniature stupa carvings, dating back to the 2nd-3rd century AD. 
• Brahmi Inscriptions: 
  • In all, 24 Brahmi inscriptions, dating from 2nd-5th century AD, were found.
  • Places named as Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa are mentioned in the inscriptions found.
  • Important kings of the era mentioned in the inscriptions include Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri and Bhattadeva.
• Gupta period remains also found: 
  • The exploration exercise also reported door jambs, besides 26 ancient temples/remains of Kalachuri period (9th-11th century AD). 
  • Forty-six sculptures and 19 waterbodies have also been excavated, all built between the 2nd and 15th century.

Ajanta Caves

• Ajanta is among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, cave paintings and sculptures.
• It is located near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra state.
• Ajanta contains twenty-nine caves, the majority of which were Viharas (Buddhist monastery halls of residence) with some Chaitya-grihas (stupa halls)
• The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.).
• It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983

Ellora Caves

• Ellora also spelled Elura are the series of 34 magnificent rock-cut temples in the Charanandri hills of western India’s Maharashtra State 
• Showcase a spirit of co-existence and religious tolerance through the outstanding architectural activities carried out by the followers of three prominent religions: Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism.
• Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I built the magnificent rock-cut monolithic Kailasa temple also called Kailash Leni at Ellora.
• The Ellora complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Elephanta Caves

• Located in Western India on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri)
• The small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains that are the sole testimonies to its rich cultural past.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main cave is spread out on Gun Hill, and contains incredible sculptures of Lord Shiva in various postures and in different forms.
• The most imposing figure of Elephanta temple is Trimurti or Maheshmurti. It is said to represent the three aspects of Shiva as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer.

Source: IE