Maharashtra • 2 monuments
Maharashtra is home to many rock-cut monuments showcasing astonishing architectural excellence and religious significance. Bhaja (Bhaje) Caves, the group of 22 rock-cut caves, is among the prime examples of such tourist hotspots. Popular for its elaborated facades and numerous elements of Hinayana Buddhism, the caves are designated as the National Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Main highlights of these caves include horseshoe-arched entry points, chaityagriha (a type of prayer room), inscribes wooden beams, images of Lord Buddha and a number of Buddhist Stupas. Sculptures and intricate carvings all over the caves can leave one spellbound. Another highlight of the caves is the waterfall which comes alive during monsoons and adds beauty to the place. The trek to the caves is easy and offers ample opportunities of nature sightseeing. Believed to be located on an ancient trade route, these hundreds of years old caves are perfect to explore skilled Indian craftsmanship.
Maharashtra is home to many Buddhist caves that preserve hundreds of years old heritage and culture. A rocky hillside near Lonavala is home to one such set of rock-cut caves called Karla Caves. The most remarkable attraction of these caves is the Buddhist chaityagriha, acclaimed as India’s largest of its kind. With a base in the form of water jar and supported by 37 beautifully carved pillars, the shrine also boasts of elaborated figures of men, women and animals. A set of 16 excavations, these caves feature many other small chaitya grihas and viharas (dwelling places for monks). A gigantic lion pillar, which imitates the famous Ashoka Pillar, near the main chaitya griha is another spellbinding attraction. While some caves date back to the period from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD, others were carved between 5th and 10th centuries AD. Intricately designed teak wood facades and horseshoe archways are the compelling aspects of the caves that are designated as protected monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India.
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