The Union Minister for Culture Shri G Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Kanheri Caves on the occasion of Buddha Purnima on May 16.
About Kanheri (Maharashtra)
- The Kanheri caves comprise more than 110 different rock-cut monolithic excavations and is one of the largest single excavations in the country.
- These excavations were primarily undertaken during the Hinayana phase of Buddhism but also has several examples of the Mahayana stylistic architecture as well as few printings of the Vajrayana order.
- The name Kanheri is derived from ‘Kanhagiri’ in Prakrit and occurs in the Nasik inscription of the Satavahana ruler Vasisthiputra Pulumavi. Kanheri was mentioned in the travelogues of foreign travellers.
- The earliest reference of Kanheri is ascribed to Fa-Hein who visited India during 399-411 CE and later by several other travellers.
- The scale and extent of excavations, with its numerous water cisterns, epigraphs, one of the oldest dams, a stupa burial gallery and excellent rainwater harvesting system, indicate its popularity as a monastic and pilgrim centre.
- Its importance is heightened by the fact that it is the only centre where a continuous progression of Buddhist faith and architecture is observed as an unbroken legacy right from 2nd century CE (cave no. 2 stupa) to 9th century CE are observed here.
- Kanheri flourished under the patronage of Satavahana, Traikutakas, Vakatakas and Silaharas and through donations made by the wealthy merchants of the region.
- Kanheri is set amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes within a designated National Park (in Sanjay Gandhi National park) and its setting is an integral part of its planning, with beautiful forecourts and rock-cut benches to enjoy the scenic vistas.
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