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| Ancient Bhaja caves..placesnearpune.com |
The Bhaja Caves near Bhaja village in Pune district, Maharashtra, are a group of 22 rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating from roughly the 2nd century BC to about the 2nd century AD, though some evidence suggests monastic activity continued until the 5th-6th century AD. These caves stand about 400 feet above the village, carved into basalt cliffs of the Western Ghats along an ancient trade route linking the Arabian Sea with the Deccan Plateau. The caves are 400 feet above the village of Bhaja. They belong to the Hinayana Buddhism sect in Maharashtra that was prevalent then according to inscriptions.
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| Stupa in chaityagriha sid-thewanderer.com |
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| Baja caves collection of stupas sid-thewanderer.com |
The most architecturally significant is Cave XII (the chaityagriha), which showcases a horseshoe-arched, vaulted ceiling and mimics wooden structures in stone—especially in the way beams and rafters are imitated. There are 27 pillars that divide the central nave from side aisles. Within the complex are fourteen stupas: five inside the caves and nine outside. Two of these stupas are topped with relic boxes. Inscriptions found in or near these stupas document names of monks such as Sanghdina, Ampinika, and Dhammagiri. The Bhaja Caves share architectural design with the Karla Caves. The most impressive monument is the large shrine — chaityagriha — with an open, horseshoe-arched entrance; according to the Archaeological Survey of India, the chaityagrha is the most prominent aspect of the caves, and one of the earliest of the type.
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| Arched ceiling with ribs Baja caves,MHlonavlaonline.in |
Cave XVIII (a vihara) has a pillared verandah and relief carvings, including depictions of deities like Surya and Indra. One of the carvings shows a woman playing drums (interpreted by some as a form of ancient percussion) and another dancing, highlighting that musical and cultural life were represented in the art. The presence of Tabla carvings suggest the percussion instrument that is used in dance performances has been in existence for at least two thousand years. The carving shows a woman playing tabla and another woman, performing dance.
Recent information confirms these caves are protected as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. In late 2024, the Film Facilitation Office recorded the site as having 22 excavations, affirmed the dating to 2,200 years, and reinforced details about the ornate facades and elaborate carvings including relic stupas. Conservation work has been ongoing, especially efforts to protect stupas from weathering. About Karla caves, they need serious restoration and conservation efforts.
