 |
| Main Cave @ Wikipedia |
Introduction
Bedse Caves are an ancient Hindu cave-complex
of rock-cuts and caves at the Maval area of the Pune district of Maharashtra
state. The caves are an example of late late 1-st century A.H. early Buddhism
architecture, which is not easy to find in the mountain (resistant to both
natural erosion and time). The caves are a famous example of the early Buddhist
architecture, a large chaitya or prayer hall, one or a few vihara or monk-residences.
.jpg) |
| General view, with the top of the chaitya entrance columns visible, and the outside stupa @ Wikipedia |
Location
Bedse Caves are
situated under Maval of Pune district in Maharashtra. It lies nearly 45km away
form the city of Pune and nearly 20km away form the renowned hill-station
Lonavala. These caves are very much accessible through railway station and
village known as Kamshet.
.jpg) |
| Entrance to the Chaitya Hall @ wikipedia |
History
The Bedsay Caves
belong to the old Buddhist cave architecture and the history of the cave dates
back to 1 st century before Christ. These caves had initially been constructed
to meditate, pray and stay of Buddhist monks. The Chaitya Hall is the most
significant cave in Bedsa that is thought to have been constructed in the
second half of the 1 st century BC. This is a chaitya-griha that has horseshoe
arches and mega-pillars hewn out of stone which are also good models of
Buddhist architecture. Conversely, there is also Vihara or Bhikkhu-ashrama,
which are little rooms hewn out, to house the monks.
.jpg) |
| Capitals @ wikipedia |
Architecture and Design
The building of
the Bedse Caves is a clear evidence of the old Buddhist style. Essentially there
are two major portions Chaitya Hall and Vihara. Chaityagriha (prayer hall)
Within the cave is a big hall, the roof of which is in forms of a curved
building. Especially spectacular is the horseshoe arch in the entrance. The
Chaitya Ghar contains carved stone pillars in rows, which carry towards the
depth of the cave. A stupa was constructed at the end of the hall that served
as the heart of prayer and meditation of the monks and devotees. Vihar
(Residence) Besides the chaitya-grihas, there were small houses constructed as
monasteries in which the monks lived. The rooms are of small size and each has
a doorway and the space required, where the monks used to meditate and study.
Design Features: The caves are entirely hewn in stone. Simple ornamented and free
carvings underscore simpleness and spirituality of early Buddhist buildings.
The outer walls and the pillars of the chaityagriha have traces of lotus,
elephants and other ornamental patterns.
.jpg) |
| Columns at chaitya entrance @ Wikipedia |
Archeological Value and Duration.
The Bedsay Caves
can be regarded as a treasure trove of the ancient archaeological heritage of
Buddhism in India. Historians and archaeologists believe that these caves were
constructed in the 1 st century BC- 2 nd century AD. It was originally a part
of the Hinayana Buddhism in which stupas were venerated as the likeness of the
Buddha, but the tradition of erecting human figures was not widespread. Time of
Judgment: Its architecture and carvings indicate that the caves were
constructed at the time of the Satavahana. The design of the chaityagrihas and
viharas is the Hinayana type of architecture that is perfect example of
simplicity and wood-like design. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves of the
same period have been compared with the architecture of the Bedse Caves. The
archaeological value: It is covered with deep deposits of religious activities,
architecture and social life of the ancient India. Studies of pillars, carvings
and stupas can give an insight into the development of early Buddhism. It is a
valuable historical monument under the preservation of Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI).
Significance and
the Current Circumstance.
The Bedse Caves
are a significant reminder about the ancient tradition and religious life of
the Buddhists in India. The Chaityagriha and the Vihara constructed here were
both in addition to places of worship, centres of spiritual practice, education
and social work of the Buddhist monks. The art and craft of stone carving in
India back then is evidenced by the sculpture and the pillars of this cave.
Moreover, the Bedse Caves would be a priceless source of the development of
Hinayana Buddhism.
 |
| Side wall inside the chaitya verandah @ Wikipedia |
Today's situation
The Bedse Caves
are now under the protection of Archaeological survey of India (ASI).
History-loving and researchers would also appreciate this quiet and charming
archeological site, although it is not that popular with tourists as the rest
of the popular caves. It takes one approximately 400 steps to enter the cave,
and this is a special experience to the visitors. The area surrounding the cave
is also enhanced with natural beauty to add on its attraction. The Bedse Caves
even today manifest how the ancient Indian civilisation and religious history
was rich. Now it is not just a tourist attraction site but also a part of the
Indian cultural heritage.
.jpg) |
| Main vihara @ Wikipedia |
Conclusion
The
Bedsay Cave is also not only an archaeological site, but a living image of the
ancient history, art and religious spirit of India. The Buddhist influences
here are remnants that the Maharashtra region must have been a major seat of
Buddhist education in the past. The cave has been given a special feature by
the architecture, pillars, sculptures as well as natural environment. Probably,
today it is not so popular as other caves, yet, Bedsay Cave is specifically
appealing to the history enthusiasts, researchers, and people who want to be in
peaceful environment. It reminds us of how rich and deep was the Indian
architectural and religious culture of the past. Due to this, the Bedse Caves
are not just a tourist site, but also a priceless treasure of the Indian
heritage.
