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Bhimasankar group Chaitya. Larger view @ Wikipedia |
Introduction
Manmodi Caves One
of the oldest examples of Buddhist rock-cut architecture in the Junnar region
of Maharashtra is the Manmodi Caves. These caves were made between the 2 nd
century BC and the 3 rd century AD. They were initially utilized to perform the
religious ritual, Meditation and monasticody of the Buddhists. Stupas, carvings
and inscriptions within the caves demonstrates that in the past Junnar was a
thriving seat of Buddhism.
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| The Chaitya today. @ wikipedia |
Manmodi Caves can
be traced to the 2nd century BC. These centres were of the Buddhist monks the
areas where religious and social activities were conducted. These caves (known
as the Kour Caves) were constructed during the Satavahana era (c. 200 BCE-200
CE) and continued to be supported by the Kshatrapas, the reminds that followed
after that. Inscriptions and inscriptions discovered here point out that the
rich traders, local enemies and ordinary citizens gave out donations to the
Buddhist Sangha and assisted in the construction of the caves. Manmodi caves
are primarily composed of chaityagrihas (prayer halls), and viharas. Their
archeological sites provide evidence that the Junnar region was yet a major
Buddhism learning and pilgrimage centre during the ancient period.
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| The Amba-Ambika group of caves. @ wikipedia |
Location
Manmodi Caves The
Manmodi Caves are found on a hill top in the outskirts towards the city of
Junnar, in Maharashtra. It is a part of Pune district, and it is located
approximately 95km away Pune city. Theatores is elongated into three parts:
East Manmodi Caves West Manmodi Caves South Manmodi Caves They are all cut upon
the banks of the mountains, and most eye-catching to the landscape. It is well
located in immediate accessibility at the surrounding locations of Shivnarayan
Tekadi and Lonavala.
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| Manmodi Chaitya Yavanasa @ Wikipedia |
Architecture Features
The Manmodi Caves architecture is an
excellent specimen of the Buddhist rock art of ancient India. Construction is
divided into two types, chaityagriha (prayer hall) and vihara (monastery /
residence). Chaityagriha There is a spacious carved hall within in which a
stupa has been erected. This stupa was surrounded by encircling around by the
monks at the time of prayer. Vihara: These were tiny rooms cuts around the
rectangular hall which the descendants of the monastery used to live and to
meditate. Inscriptions and carvings Inscriptions In the cave, the name of the
donors, traders and kings can be found inscribing them with Brahmi script.
Ornamentation: The decorations of the walls on the pillars, as well as the
doors are fairly simple, yet of an ancient workmanship. Such design is created
by the natural rocks: the caves consist of the rock cut rock, their
architecture is a mixture of natural and artistic beauty.
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| Inside of the Chaitya.@ wikipedia |
Importance - Manmodi Caves
Manmodi Cave is
important not only based on an archaeological perspective, but also a
historical, religious and cultural perspective. Centre of Buddhist Heritage:
These caves were discovered proving that the Junnar region had been the site of
center of learning and followership of the Buddhist religion. Indications of
trade and offering: There are inscriptions that have been discovered in this
place showing that the local merchants, royalty and ordinary citizens had been
in the habit of aiding Buddhist monks through donations. This gives the extent
to which Buddhism was socially and economically influential. Archaeological
Importance: The cave constructions, stupas, Brahmi script and ornamentation
give one an insight on how religious life, art in India, and language developed
within ancient times of India. Tourist Attractions:Manmodi Cave are the
beautiful attraction sites to history loving Islamic tourists that contain a
trace of the prime time Indian culture today.
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| The Buddhist cells with individual Chaitya-window arches. @wikipedia |
Conclusion
The Manmodi Caves
are not merely an expression of the ancient Indian architecture, but a full of
Buddhist tradition. These caves have been the focus of activities, education
and religious life of the monks since centuries since the times of the BC. The
various stupas, viharas and chaityagrahas as well as inscriptions in it confirm
the use to be the direct relation of religion, art and economy of the ancient
society. Today, Manmodi Caves are not simply an archeological site, these caves
are also a unique chance to belong to the past which can be given to the
history lovers and tourists.
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