Karla Caves
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Karla Caves is an complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut architecture cave shrines built over the period of 3rd to 2nd century B.C. 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 an 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]
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[edit] 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.[4] The large Karla caves were excavated by hewing out the rock. Great windows light the interiors.[5]
The main cave has a magnificent Chaitya with huge pillars and intricately carved relief's dating back to the 1st century B.C.[6] 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.[7] 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.
[edit] 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
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Visit Karla Bhaja caves". http://pune.nic.in/tourism/tou_BHAJA_karla.htm.
- ^ a b "Later Andhra Period India". http://www.public.iastate.edu/~tart/arth382/lecture7.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
- ^ Keay, John (2000). India: A History. New York: Grove Press. pp. 123–127. ISBN 0802137970.
- ^ "Karla Caves". http://www.indian-visit.com/monuments-of-india/karla-caves.html. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
- ^ "Cave Architecture". http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/ancient-architecture/cave-architecture.html. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
- ^ "5000 Years of Indian Architecture". http://www.kamat.com/database/content/architecture/index.htm. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
- ^ "Buddhist Karla Caves". http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/maharashtra/karla.htm. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
[edit] External links
- Karla Buddhist Caves at Lonavala pune
- Karla Caves Photos from Himanshu Sarpotdar
- Karla Caves
- Buddhist Karla Caves
- Kanheri Caves Decoded
