Karla Caves: Difference between revisions
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This complex of well-preserved, [[Theravada]] {{Citation needed | date=March 2009}} Buddhist caves is built on the difficult terrain of a rocky hillside. The complex also happens to be one of the finest examples of the ancient rock-cut caves found in India. The large Karla caves were excavated by hewing out the rock. Great windows light the interiors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/ancient-architecture/cave-architecture.html |title=Cave Architecture |publisher= |accessdate=2007-02-15 }}</ref> |
This complex of well-preserved, [[Theravada]] {{Citation needed | date=March 2009}} Buddhist caves is built on the difficult terrain of a rocky hillside. The complex also happens to be one of the finest examples of the ancient rock-cut caves found in India. The large Karla caves were excavated by hewing out the rock. Great windows light the interiors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/ancient-architecture/cave-architecture.html |title=Cave Architecture |publisher= |accessdate=2007-02-15 }}</ref> |
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The main cave has a magnificent [[Chaitya]] with huge pillars and intricately carved [[relief|relief's]] dating back to the 1st century B.C. There are well carved sculptures of both males and females (''see picture''), as well as animals, including lions and elephants (''see picture''), a testimony to the skill of the artisan builders. Within the complex are a great many other magnificently carved prayer halls or [[chaitya]]s as well as [[vihara]]s or dwelling places for the monks. A feature of these caves is their [[arch]]ed entrances and [[Vault (architecture)|vault]]ed interiors. Built in the time of the [[Theravada]] Buddhists, these caves do not actually show the image of [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha The outside facade has intricate details carved to imitate finished wood. The central [[Motif (visual arts)|motif]] is a large [[horseshoe]] [[arch]]. There is a lion column in front, with a closed stone facade and [[torana]] in between.<ref name="public"/> |
The main cave has a magnificent [[Chaitya]] with huge pillars and intricately carved [[relief|relief's]] dating back to the 1st century B.C. There are well carved sculptures of both males and females (''see picture''), as well as animals, including lions and elephants (''see picture''), a testimony to the skill of the artisan builders. Within the complex are a great many other magnificently carved prayer halls or [[chaitya]]s as well as [[vihara]]s or dwelling places for the monks. A feature of these caves is their [[arch]]ed entrances and [[Vault (architecture)|vault]]ed interiors. Built in the time of the [[Theravada]] Buddhists, these caves do not actually show the image of [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] The outside facade has intricate details carved to imitate finished wood. The central [[Motif (visual arts)|motif]] is a large [[horseshoe]] [[arch]]. There is a lion column in front, with a closed stone facade and [[torana]] in between.<ref name="public"/> |
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During this period it is likely that thousands of caves like Karla were excavated in the [[Sahyadri]] Hills. |
During this period it is likely that thousands of caves like Karla were excavated in the [[Sahyadri]] Hills. |
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Revision as of 14:00, 7 December 2010
Karla Caves (Hindi: कारला) is a complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut architecture cave shrines developed over two periods - from 2nd century B.C to 2nd century C.E. and in 5th - 10th century. Even though the caves were constructed over a period of time and the oldest one is believed to date back to 160 BC.[1] Located in Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra, the caves are on a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. Karli's location in Maharashtra places it in a region that is the division between North India and South India.[2] Buddhism, having become identified with commerce and manufacturing through their early association with traders, tended to locate their monastic establishes in natural areas close to major trade routes so as to provide lodging houses for travelling traders.[3]
Architecture
This complex of well-preserved, Theravada [citation needed] Buddhist caves is built on the difficult terrain of a rocky hillside. The complex also happens to be one of the finest examples of the ancient rock-cut caves found in India. The large Karla caves were excavated by hewing out the rock. Great windows light the interiors.[4]
The main cave has a magnificent Chaitya with huge pillars and intricately carved relief's dating back to the 1st century B.C. There are well carved sculptures of both males and females (see picture), as well as animals, including lions and elephants (see picture), a testimony to the skill of the artisan builders. Within the complex are a great many other magnificently carved prayer halls or chaityas as well as viharas or dwelling places for the monks. A feature of these caves is their arched entrances and vaulted interiors. Built in the time of the Theravada Buddhists, these caves do not actually show the image of Buddha The outside facade has intricate details carved to imitate finished wood. The central motif is a large horseshoe arch. There is a lion column in front, with a closed stone facade and torana in between.[2]
During this period it is likely that thousands of caves like Karla were excavated in the Sahyadri Hills.
See also
- Bhaja Caves
- Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bangalore - also a cave temple
- Varaha Cave Temple
- Badami Cave Temples
- Undavalli caves
- Indian rock-cut architecture
Temple
Karla caves, 11 km off Lonavla, house a monastery dating back to 2nd century BC. The monastery was once home to two 15-meter grand pillars. Now only one of these exists and the remaining space is occupied by a temple dedicated to goddess Ekaveera.
Notes
- ^ "Visit Karla Bhaja caves".
- ^ a b "Later Andhra Period India". Retrieved 2007-01-24.
- ^ Keay, John (2000). India: A History. New York: Grove Press. pp. 123–127. ISBN 0802137970.
- ^ "Cave Architecture". Retrieved 2007-02-15.
External links
- [Article on Caves of Western India] http://www.flonnet.com/fl2419/stories/20071005505506600.htm
- Karla Caves Photos from Himanshu Sarpotdar
- Kanheri Caves Decoded