Kanheri Caves are a collection of more than 100 Buddhist caves nestled among the tranquil surroundings of Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. Kanheri, also known as Krishnagiri or Kanhagiri in ancient inscriptions, literally means "black mountain" (Krishna means "black" and Giri means "mountain") and is named after a black basaltic stone. These caves include Buddhist sculptures, relief carvings, paintings, and inscriptions ranging from the 1st century BC to the 11th century AD. This article will explain to you the historical background and features of Kanheri caves which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Kanheri Caves - Historical Background

• The name Kanheri is derived from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, which means "black mountain."
• The Western Ghats' topography, combined with political patronage, favored the creation of Buddhist caves in many of the Sahyadris' hills, ravines, and cliffs.
• These caves are the earliest example of superb rock-cut architecture in the Western Ghats.
• The caves were cut between 200 and 600 A.D, according to historians.
• Kanheri was a significant monastery settlement that existed from the first century A.D. to the eleventh century A.D.
• By the time the area was ruled by the Mauryan and Kushan empires, Kanheri had become a university center.
• Kanheri thrived for nearly a millennium as a result of its proximity to the ancient port towns of Sopara (Nalasopara – known for its trading ties with Mesopotamia and Egypt, among others), Kalyan, Thane, and Bassein (Vasai).
• The majority of these caves have no known date, but inscriptions mentioning donors and specific king names have aided in their identification.
• By 1560, Buddhism had been gradually lost in Maharashtra, leading to the caves' abandonment. They remained in a dilapidated state for 300 to 400 years.
• Following India's independence, the Archeological Survey of India decided to take over, revitalise, and conserve the heritage site.

Kanheri Caves - Features

• Kanheri, also known as Krishnagiri or Kanhagiri in ancient inscriptions, literally translates to "black mountain" and is named because of its black basalt stone.
• Kanheri Caves (109 in number) are located north of Borivali in Mumbai within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
• Kanheri is home to both Chaityas and Viharas. The elements of wooden construction were kept in mind while creating them.
• The caves are the only location in western India with artistic evidence of all three vehicles of Buddhism — India's three phases of the religion - Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism.
• In Kanheri, Buddhist monks lived, studied, meditated, and spread the teachings of Gautama Buddha in 109 caves.
• During the monsoon, the caves were also used as shelters.
• Kanheri is a collection of rock-cut monuments, a form of western Indian traditional art.
• It also includes symbolism from later periods of Buddhist art.
• A vast Vihara (prayer hall) and stupas may be found inside the Kanheri caves.
• There are around 109 Buddha Viharas in the caverns, which were built specifically for the Bhikshus. The prayer rooms have pillared passageways and exquisite relics of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.
• Cave No. 3 - At Kanheri, this cave has the most intact carvings. It also has a prayer hall known as the Chaitya Gruha.
  • The prayer hall appears majestic, with intricately carved Buddhist sculptures — including slender figurines with arched eyebrows and delicate fingers and Stupas (dome-shaped shrines).
  • It has a hall with 34 pillars and two large standing Buddha sculptures. It contains hints on the Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhist sect.

• Cave No. 11 - This cave is very similar to cave number five in Ellora, Aurangabad. They are India's only caves where Buddhist monks have hosted group recitations of religious scriptures.
  • To do their diurnal practice, they sat around elongated rectangular tables cut out of the cave's rock. The tables have survived to this day.

• The monks in the caves maintained close contact with the monks in China via the Silk Route, an ancient international highway that aided in the spread of Buddha's teachings throughout Asia.
• Cave No. 41 - This cave is home to the 11-headed god Avalokiteshwara, who represents the compassion of all Buddhas. This is India's first and only archaeological piece of this deity, as well as the world's earliest recorded piece.

• Cave No. 90 - It is the oldest cave and the only one with two Japanese inscriptions engraved in its verandah. It is also the world's first structure dedicated to housing the Lotus Sutra — the Buddhist teaching as told by Gautam Budhha near the end of his life.

• The Kanheri Caves feature a colossal Buddha statue (22 feet tall) and Chaitya Griha, a depiction of a large Avalokiteshvara (Bodhisattva) with 11 heads, nada painted ceiling.

• It also features an evolved and complex water harvesting management system (indicated by the presence of water cisterns in almost every cave and massive water tanks).
• The inscription regarding Satavahana ruler Vashishtiputra Satakarni's marriage to King Rudradaman I's daughter is also notable.
• The Kanheri caves contain the earliest images of the Buddha in South India, and they became famous around the world after Chinese monk traveler Hiuen Tsang (602 CE – 664 CE) visited the monastery in the 7th century CE and is said to have brought a wooden image of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara to China, as well as numerous Sanskrit Buddhist manuscripts.
• Wooden building elements are used to construct the Chaityas and Viharas.
• The patronage of the Kanheri caves may be traced back to the Kushan and Mauryan dynasties, which reigned from the 2nd to 9th centuries BC. These caverns were later influenced by Gupta art.
• The spectacular Elephanta caves have also been impacted by the Kanheri caves.
• The Buddhist Cluster includes Kanheri Caves, Magathane Caves, and Mahakali Caves.
• The Magathane caves (6 km west of Kanheri caves) are known for the exquisite Makara decoration in the main cave, which is now decrepit.
• Some of the sculptures discovered in Magathane caves date from the 6th century CE.

Conclusion

In ancient times, the Kanheri Caves became a center of learning. They must have acted as temporary housing or 'vasha vaasa' (rain shelter) for the monks during its formative phase, according to archaeologists and historians. The monks lived, studied, and meditated in these caverns. These caves provide insight into the evolution of Buddhism and also have the distinction of having the most cave excavations from a single hill.

FAQs 

Q1: What are the Kanheri Caves?

Q2: What is the significance of Kanheri Caves in Indian history?

Q3: What are the features of Kanheri Caves?

Q4: What was the role of Kanheri Caves in the development of Buddhism?

Q5: Which Buddhist sects are represented in the Kanheri Caves?

MCQs 

1. How many caves are there in the Kanheri complex?

A) 55

B) 109

C) 80

D) 50

2. Which famous Chinese monk visited the Kanheri Caves?

A) Marco Polo

B) Fa Hien

C) Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)

D) I-Tsing

3. Which of the following features is notable in Cave No. 3 of the Kanheri Caves?

A) The largest Buddha statue

B) Water cisterns

C) A prayer hall with 34 pillars

D) The first image of Avalokiteshvara

4. Which feature of Kanheri Caves indicates advanced water management systems?

A) A large tank in the main hall

B) Water cisterns and massive water tanks in most caves

C) A hydraulic system for irrigation

D) Natural spring systems

5. Which king's marriage inscription is found in the Kanheri Caves?

A) Ashoka

B) Rudradaman I

C) Vashishtiputra Satakarni

D) Harsha

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the historical and cultural significance of the Kanheri Caves.

Answer: The Kanheri Caves, located in Mumbai, are an important Buddhist site with over 100 rock-cut caves that date back to between the 1st and 11th centuries AD. These caves were not just a monastic settlement but also served as an educational center for Buddhist monks. The art and architecture of Kanheri reflect the evolution of Buddhist art from the early Hinayana to the later Mahayana and Vajrayana periods. The caves are notable for their intricate sculptures, relief carvings, and inscriptions, which offer insights into the cultural and religious life of ancient India. Additionally, the caves' proximity to ancient trade routes and port towns like Sopara facilitated cultural exchange and helped spread Buddhism to other regions of Asia.

Q2: How do the Kanheri Caves reflect the architectural achievements of ancient India?

Answer: The Kanheri Caves are an excellent example of early rock-cut architecture in India. The caves feature both Viharas and Chaityas, designed with elements that were inspired by wooden construction methods. The Chaitya Griha in Cave No. 3, with its 34 carved pillars, showcases the sophistication of Buddhist architecture in the region. The caves also have advanced features such as a water harvesting system, reflecting an understanding of sustainable resource management. The large Buddha statues and relief carvings inside the caves illustrate the artistic development in Buddhist iconography, making Kanheri a key site for studying ancient Indian art and architecture.

Q3: What role did Kanheri Caves play in the spread of Buddhism in Asia?

Answer: Kanheri Caves played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism, especially due to their location along trade routes and their connection with Buddhist centers in Central Asia and China. The caves served as a monastic hub where Buddhist monks lived, studied, and spread the teachings of Buddha. The exchange of ideas with monks from China via the Silk Route contributed to the growth of Buddhism in East Asia. The caves' role as a major center for Buddhist teachings was cemented when Xuanzang, the famous Chinese traveler, visited the site and took back manuscripts and images that influenced the spread of Buddhism in China and beyond.

Previous Year Questions on Kanheri Caves

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Q1: "Explain the significance of Kanheri Caves in the context of Indian Buddhist art and culture."

Answer: The Kanheri Caves are one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture and hold immense significance in Indian Buddhist art and culture. They represent the development of Buddhist art from the Hinayana to Mahayana traditions and showcase intricate sculptures and reliefs of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The caves are a reflection of the cultural and spiritual life of the time, with their architectural features and use of space for meditation and prayer. Kanheri also became a significant center for Buddhist learning and exchange, especially due to its proximity to trade routes that connected it to other parts of Asia.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Q2: "Discuss the architectural and religious significance of the Kanheri Caves."

Answer: The Kanheri Caves are renowned for their rock-cut architecture, which includes both Viharas (monastic dwellings) and Chaityas (prayer halls). The caves are significant for their sophisticated design and the use of elements borrowed from wooden architecture. Religious significance is seen in the large number of Buddha sculptures, stupas, and relief carvings, which represent key Buddhist concepts and teachings. Kanheri also reflects the development of the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism, highlighting the evolution of Buddhist religious practices and art in ancient India.