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 the Bhaja Caves is not far from the Karla Caves, which are stylistically similar. The Bhaja 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] The inscriptions and cave temple are protected as a National Monument, by the Archaeological Survey of India vide Notification No. 2407-A.[3][4]
[edit] Architecture
The Bhaja Caves share the same set of architectural designs as Karla Caves. Visually, the most impressive monument is large shrine — chaityagriha — with an open, horseshoe-arched entrance. The chaitrya has unique reliefs of Indian mythology. Other caves have a nave and aisle, with an apse containing a solid tupa and the aisle circling round the apse, providing the circumambulation path.[5]
A 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.[6] These caves also provide important proof regarding the history of the Tabla, an Indian percussion instrument. The carvings shows a woman playing tabla and another performing a dance, dating back to 200 BC.
[edit] See also
Media related to Bhaja Caves at Wikimedia Commons
[edit] References
- ^ "Bhaja Caves". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 2010-04-11.
- ^ "Later Andhra Period India". Retrieved 2007-01-24.
- ^ "List of the protected monuments of Mumbai Circle district-wise".
- ^ "Bhaja Caves Visitors' Sign". Retrieved 2012-10-08.
- ^ "5000 Years of Indian Architecture". Archived from the original on 14 April 2007. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ^ "Karka and Bhaja Caves". Archived from the original on 10 February 2007. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
Coordinates: 18°43′40″N 73°28′55″E / 18.72778°N 73.48194°E
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