Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves are a simple ones which doesn’t have those ornamental carvings. The caves have dated 1st Century to 9th AD. Each cave has a stone plinth used as a bed. There was a congregation hall which has a Buddha Stupa in the centre of it - the Buddhist Shrine.

Towards the hill there is the Ancient water system with canals and cisterns which channelized the rain water into a tank. Inside the caves you will see an elaborate carvings of Buddha and Buddha reliefs on the caves. There are many statues of Buddha on the outer walls and magnificent statues of Goddess Tara and Goddess Brute on the top. The art work on the walls actually give you an insight into the lives and practices of Buddhist monks. Most of them are the viharas or the study centers where students used to carry out their studies. One hundred writings have been found in this caves. These writings are in Devnagiri, Brahmi and Palllava scripts.

Photo courtesy: binoygupta