7 Amazing Rock Cut Caves in India

Rock-cut architecture is the practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock .India has experienced several periods of flourishing and diversity of culture and one of the best preserved forms of this rich culture is - rock cut architecture, which is found in most parts of India. Indian rock-cut architecture is more various and found in greater abundance than any other form of rock-cut architecture around the world .Rock cut caves have a certain aura that permeates through time. Standing steadfast for centuries, they tell us what mankind of that age deemed was best to preserve and showcase.Here is the list of 7 most amazing rock cut caves 1. Bagh Caves - Madhya PradeshThese are called “The Palace of Colors”, the caves were cut into a vertical sandstone rock face by master craftsmen. The caves were made sometime in the 4th or 5th century AD as Buddhist monatries. Though the paintings are disfigured due to age, it is said that the murals expressed lively, beautiful and vivid imagination. Some believe the work was begun by the Buddhist monk Dataka.A painting of the Bodhisattva ‘Padmapani' is found here and is about 150 kms from Indore and 100 from Dhar.2. Ajanta caves- MaharashtraCarved between 200 BC and 600 AD, It has been tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ajanta Caves are a resplendent example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Some of the paintings and sculptures are considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art which also depict the Jataka tales. One expert says Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka Dynasty, a great patron of Buddhist architecture, art and culture commissioned most of the work. The drive from Aurangabad can take two or three hours.3. Badami Caves - KarnatakaOne of the best examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, the caves are cut into red sandstone on the precipice of a hill. Dating back to around 570 AD, the first three of four caves are devoted to the Vedic faith and the fourth is a Jaina from possibly the 8th century.The temple complex of Aihole is just 44 Kilometres away. Badami is 110 Kilometres from Hubli and 22 Kilometres from Pattadakalu.4. Udayagiri Caves- OrissaThey are known as Sunrise Hill, the Udayagiri Caves were made during the reign of Kharavela of the Maha-Meghavahana Dynasty. These are finely and ornately carved rock cut caves meant as residential blocks for Jain monks. Sacred texts of the Jain religion has been inscribed into the rock. The majestic appeal of the caves attracts many tourists. The caves are just 8 kilometres from Bhubaneswar.5. Barabar Caves- BiharThe oldest example of Indian Rock Cut Architecture, the rock cut chambers date back to the 3rd century BC. the Barabar caves were home to early Jain sects. Though Emperor Ashoka and his son Dasaratha were both Buddhists, they supported and constructed the caves for Jain religious activities of the Ajivika monks at this place. The caves are situated 24 km north of Gaya.6.Jogimara Cave- ChhattisgarhJogimara Caves and Sitabenga Caves are a miracle even by Indian standards. The Sitabenga cave is situated on Ramgarh hills near Ambikapur in Surguja district, Chhattisgarh. One can reach Jogimara cave through a 55 meter long natural tunnel named as ‘Hatipal', which means ‘Elephant Cave'. Sita Bengra cave is a 2,300 years old performance stage - one of the oldest theatres in the world. According to legends during Rama Sita's exile, Sita stayed in these caves and thus named as Sita Bengra - “Residence of Sita”. 7.Borra Caves- Andhra PradeshThe Borra caves are natural caves located in Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku valley, which is situated 92 kilometers north from Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. The caves open with about 75 meters on vertical plane and 100 meters on horizontal plane. This caves is a must see if you're visiting Vishakhapatnam. In the year 1807, William King, the British Geologist discovered this million years old cave. This cave is said to be the biggest in India considering the area it has spread geographically.