Dharashiv Caves
Place in Maharashtra, India
- 1 min read
- 3 chapters
Related on Lably
Through India, Protected area and Rashtrakuta Empire
History
Dharashiv caves are believed to be built around the 5th-7th centuries. The first cave was discovered in the 10th century during the age of Rashtrakutas. While there have been debates over caves whether they are Buddhist or Jain creations. It is believed that these caves were originally the Jain caves as there are many Digambar teerthankar idols in Khadagasan and Kayotsarg position.
Sign in to keep reading
2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Caves
There are seven 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.
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 Buddhist caves in the 5th century AD, while in the 10th century some caves were constructed for Jain monks by Rashtrakuta kings.