point of view of composition. The female figures in different moods and
poses are in particular its best creations. Even men, animals and vegetation
have been treated elegantly.
ROCK-CUT CAVE ARCHITECTURE
Karle and Bhaja Caves
Karle and Bhaja Caves are located near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The
Bhaja caves are regarded to be from the times of Hinayana phase of
Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. These caves are also mainly
Viharas and Chaityas and located just 3 km away from the main road
amidst green surroundings. There is also a waterfall near the cave where
tourists can refresh themselves with a dip. Lohagad and Visapur forts are
not far from these caves.
alive. It takes nearly 20 minutes to climb up the steep way of the Karle
caves. There is a 45 meter (148-foot) long Chaitya, possibly the finest of
its kind in the country. A temple has been built recently built at the
entrance using pillars from the Buddhist period.
There is a sculpture of Buddha preaching seated on a lion-supported
throne, which has magnificent carvings of three elephants. The pillars are
adorned with motifs of elephants, men and riding women, etc.
Junnar Caves
The Junnar hill, situated at a small place known as Junnar in Maharashtra,
houses a cluster of ancient
Buddhist caves. Belonging to the period between 2nd century BCE to the 3rd
century CE, the Junnar caves due to their construction and architecture,
attract the tourists, Buddhists and archaeologists.
The Junnar caves have been divided into three major categories: 1. Tulija
Lena group; 2. Manmodi Hill group, and 3. Ganesh Lena group. The
Tulija Lena group, 5 km to the west, comprising Chaityas or the prayer
halls, has a circular dome ceiling in the Chaiya hall in the cave number
three. The second group of caves, which lies 1.5 km south of Junnar
towards the Manmodi hills, constitute a well preserved facade. The third