Kanheri, Bhaja and Karla Caves
The topography of the Western Ghats along with the political patronage suited to the development of Buddhist Caves in many of the hills, ravines and cliffs of the Sahyadri. The earliest example of excellent rock cut architecture in Western Ghats are Kanheri (Krishnagiri originally) Caves (109 in number) which are located north of Borivali in Mumbai within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The earliest caves were excavated in the 1st and 2nd century BC. These caves were continuously occupied by the Buddhist monks as well as inland traders as stopovers till 7th century AD. With the increase in the royal patronage and mercantile sponsorships, the interiors of these caves were made more and more decorated.
At Kanheri, we find both the Chaityas and Viharas. While creating them, the elements of wooden construction have been retained.
Significances of Kanheri Caves in Indian Architecture
Amidst the natural surroundings, which have been well preserved by the national park administration, this site provides a view of developments in Buddhist art for a thousand years, from the 1st century A.D. onwards. Its proximity to the sea and thriving ports would have ensured its continual patronage by the mercantile class.
Expressions of rock-cut art in Western India
The caves at Kanheri present the last expressions of the early rock-cut tradition of western India. Simultaneously, this site heralds developments in iconography of the Buddhist art of the later period.
Beginning of the traditions of Colossal Buddha Figures
The Kanheri Caves are home to a colossal Buddha statue (22 ft in height) which was created in 5th or 6th century. This image marks the beginning of a long tradition of colossal Buddhas, which became a popular representation across the Tibetan plateau and Central Asia, in later times.
Influence
In the Mithuna couples of Kanheri, we find the influence of the Kushana and later, these caves were influence by Gupta art also. At the same time, Kanheri influenced Elephanta Caves, being earlier than the later.
Bhaja and Karla Caves
Karla is a town located between Mumbai and Pune. It is located on an ancient major trade route that ran from the Arabian Sea eastward, into the Deccan. It is the location of the famous Karle Caves and Bhaja Caves. Karla or Karle Caves are located near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The shrines were developed over two periods – from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, and from the 5th century AD to the 10th century.
Akin to Kanheri, the Karle caves were also located near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. These caves provide lodging houses for travelling traders and thus ensured continued patronage.
It is thought that the Karle Caves were associated with the Mahāsāṃghika sect of Buddhism. The main cave features a large, intricately carved chaitya, dating back to the 1st or 2nd century BC. This is among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India, measuring 45 metres (148 ft) long and up to 14 metres (46 ft) high. The hall features Mithuna sculptures as well as animals such as lions and elephants.
Mithuna Images
Karle along with the Kanheri and other sites are one of the earliest examples of use of Mithunas or the loving couples in architecture and sculpture.
The façade and veranda of the chaitya-griha at Karle as well as Kanheri have many Mithuna couples, filled with robust vitality. These are the “yakshas” and “yakshis” of early times, who are now seen together as loving couples.
Bedsa Caves
Bedsa Caves or Bedse Caves are located in the Pune District. This is known for a Chaitya and Vihara of first century BC. In ancient India, in the search for the truth, the emphasis was always on the effort that one had to make to gain knowledge. As at Bedsa, the Chaitya is partly hidden from the profane world outside. The belief was that one could learn truly or deeply only when one made a special effort for that purpose.
