Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves (marathi भाजा) are a group of 22[1] rock-cut caves dating back to 200 BC located at Karli, near Lonavala, Maharashtra. The location of Bhaja caves is not far from location of Karla Caves and these are stylistically similar to the Karla Caves. These caves are on a major trade route of the past that ran from the Arabian Sea eastward into the Deccan region, the division between North India and South India.[2].
[edit] Architecture
The Bhaja caves share the same set of architectural designs as Karla caves. Visually most impressive monument is large shrine - chaityagriha - with open, horseshoe-arched entrance part. The chaitrya has unique reliefs of Indian mythology. Other caves have a nave and aisle, with an apse containing a solid stupa and the aisle circling round the apse, providing the circumambulation path.[3]
Notable part of monument is a group of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside an irregular excavation. One of the caves has some fine sculptures.
Near the last cave is a waterfall which, during the monsoon season, has water that falls into a small pool at the bottom.[4]
[edit] See also
Media related to Bhaja Caves at Wikimedia Commons
[edit] References
- ^ "Bhaja Caves". Archaeological Survey of India. http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_maha_bhajacaves.asp. Retrieved 2010-04-11.
- ^ "Later Andhra Period India". http://www.public.iastate.edu/~tart/arth382/lecture7.html. Retrieved 2007-01-24.
- ^ "5000 Years of Indian Architecture". http://www.kamat.com/database/content/architecture/index.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ^ "Karka and Bhaja Caves". http://www.indiatravelite.com/feature/bhajakarlacaves.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
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