Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups
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Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups are located in Junagadh district of the Indian state of Gujarat. These caves were carved from 1st-4th century AD.
Baba Pyare Caves
The Bava Pyara caves group is located near Modhimath called Baba Pyare. The caves were constructed during the Satavahana regime in 1st–2nd century A.D.[1] According to the Xuanzang’s travelling account they were constricted in 1st century A.D.[2] Northern group has four caves. South eastern group has chaitya and spacious court.[1] Group has 13 caves modelled in three floors, carved in 45 m. (150 ft.) long, influenced by Buddhist architecture.[3]
Khapra Kodiya Caves
These caves are also known as Khangar Mahal.[2] This cave does not have any symbolic influence over it. They are carved out in an east-west longitudinal ridge. Caves are small in area. But, it has unique architecture of the water tanks design on western side and ‘L’ shaped residence. According to the Burgess, caves were carved in 3rd–4th century A.D.[1] Caves were used by bhikkus during vassa period. The dwellings were carved during the Ashoka’s rule and are the oldest in Junagadh. The dwellings had a water leakage problem after many years of stay so they had to vacate the caves. According to few studies, bhikkus went to Maharashtra for carving other similar Buddhist caves. The caves suffered by water leakage in the past that now the highest story of the cave is in good condition.[3]
Uperkot Caves
These caves are located at Uperkot, carved in 2nd–3rd century A.D. These caves have influence of Satvahana architecture with combination of Graeco- Scythian style. According to ASI “The cave group is in three tiers, with all members of each galleries shown in semi-relief, but only two storeys having regular floors. The upper floor has a deep tank, covered on three sides with verandahs and Kakshasana on west and north- west side. Lower floor has with corridor and pillars. The lower floor has exquisitely carved pillars whose base, shaft and capital carry unique decorative design.”[1] These caves have alluring columns, entry gates, and water tanks. Moreover, the chatiya and its horseshoe shaped windows and meditation cell. It has 300 ft deep canal which has crocodiles.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Ticketed Monuments - Gujarat Buddhist Cave Groups, Uperkot, Junagadh". Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
- 1 2 Sagar, Krishna Chandra (1992). Foreign influence on ancient India. New Delhi: Northern Book Centre. p. 150. ISBN 8172110286. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
- 1 2 "Buddhist Caves". Gujarat Tourism - Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
- ↑ "Uparkot". Gujarat Tourism - Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
External Link
Baba Pyare, Khapra Kodia Caves
