Created by Kamal Guha
Last edited November 23, 2023


Dharashiv Caves

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Settlement type
Country India
State
District
Subdivision

Dharashiv caves are the nexus of 7 caves located 8 km away from Osmanabad city in Balaghat mountains in Maharashtra state of India.[1][2][3] The caves were taken note by Archaeological Department of India and mentioned in the book Archaeological survey of India by James Burges.[4] Dharashiv Caves have been declared as Protected area by Government of Maharashtra.[5]

History

Dharashiv caves are believed to be built around 5th-7th century. First cave has been discovered in 10th century during the age of Rashtrakutas,[4] while there have been debates over caves whether they are Buddhist or Jain creations.[1] It is believed that these caves were originally Buddhist, but were later converted into monuments of the Jain religion.[4]

Caves

Template:Multiple image There are 7 caves, 1st cave is harnessed by 20 pillars of scaffolding. Cave No. 2 is among major caves and modeled on the plan of the Vakataka caves at Ajantha. It has a central hall measuring 80 feet by 80 feet, with 14 cells for the residence of the Bhiksus and garbhagraha with a statue of the Gautam Buddha in Padmasana. 3rd cave resembles with 1st, while later caves are Jain caves.[1][4]

Current status

Dharashiv caves are claimed by both Buddhist and Jain traditions. However research done by James Burges on 1200 caves in Maharashtra state showed that Dharashiv caves were originally a Buddhists caves in 5th century AD, while in 12th century some caves were converted to Jain caves.[6][7]

See also

References

Template:Indian Buddhist Caves Template:Buddhist sites in Maharashtra Template:Jain Caves in India