#BhajaCaves is a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in the city of #Pune, India. The caves are 400 feet above the village of #Bhaja, on an important ancient trade route running from the #ArabianSea eastward into the #DeccanPlateau (the division between North India and South India). The inscriptions and the cave temple are protected as a #Monument of National Importance, by the Archaeological Survey of India per Notification No. 2407-A. It belongs to the Hinayana #Buddhism sect in #Maharashtra. The caves have a number of stupas, one of their significant features. The most prominent excavation is its chaitya (or chaityagrha - Cave XII), a good example of the early development of this form from wooden architecture, with a vaulted horseshoe ceiling. Its vihara (Cave XVIII) has a pillared verandah in front and is adorned with unique reliefs. These caves are notable for their indications of the awareness of wooden architecture. The carvings prove that tabla – a percussion instrument – was used in India for at least 2300 years, disproving the centuries-held belief that the tabla was introduced to India by outsiders or from Turko-Arab. The carving shows a woman playing tabla and another woman, performing dance. Amazing click by @garysequeira_

#BhajaCaves is a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in the city of #Pune, India. The caves are 400 feet above the village of #Bhaja, on an important ancient trade route running from the #ArabianSea eastward into the #DeccanPlateau (the division between North India and South India). The inscriptions and the cave temple are protected as a #Monument of National Importance, by the Archaeological Survey of India per Notification No. 2407-A. It belongs to the Hinayana #Buddhism sect in #Maharashtra. The caves have a number of stupas, one of their significant features. The most prominent excavation is its chaitya (or chaityagrha - Cave XII), a good example of the early development of this form from wooden architecture, with a vaulted horseshoe ceiling. Its vihara (Cave XVIII) has a pillared verandah in front and is adorned with unique reliefs. These caves are notable for their indications of the awareness of wooden architecture. The carvings prove that tabla – a percussion instrument – was used in India for at least 2300 years, disproving the centuries-held belief that the tabla was introduced to India by outsiders or from Turko-Arab. The carving shows a woman playing tabla and another woman, performing dance. Amazing click by @garysequeira_

November 20, 2020

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