Pandavleni Caves, also known as Trirashmi Caves, are ancient rock-cut caves located on the Trirashmi hill about 3004 feet above sea level. These are a collection of ancient Buddhist caves (B.C.250- A.D.600). Nasik caves are another name for them. Recently, three new caves have been discovered in the Trirashmi Buddhist cave complex by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This article will explain to you the historical background and important features related to Pandavleni Caves which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Pandavleni Caves

Pandavleni Caves - Historical Background

• Captain James Delamaine first documented the Trirashmi Buddhist caves complex in 1823, and it is now an ASI-protected site.
• Leni is a Marathi word for caves. The Pandavleni Caves are made up of 24 carved cave temples known as viharas. The Chaitya is one of the 24 carved cave temples.
• In ancient times, these viharas served as monasteries where people could meet and discuss with monks, while the vihara also served as a prayer hall for Buddhist monks and disciples of Gautam Buddha.
• These caves were carved between the 1st and 3rd centuries BCE, with additional sculptures added up until the 6th century, reflecting changes in Buddhist devotional practices.
• Except for Cave 18, which is a 1st century BCE chaitya, the caves are mostly viharas.
• The oldest cave, No. 19, was built with a donation from Krishna, a Satavahana ruler in the first century BCE.
• The style of some of the more complex pillars or columns, such as those found in caves 3 and 10, is a good example of how the shape evolved.
• Inscriptions documenting contributions date the caves to the 1st century BCE.
• Pundru, which means "yellow ochre tint" in Pali, was the name given to the caverns.
• This is due to the fact that the caves were home to Buddhist monks who donned "the chivari or yellow robes." The name Pundru was then changed to Pandu Caves (as per Ancient Monuments Act 26 May 1909).
• Cave evidence suggests that the caves witnessed the period between the Satavahana and the Western Kshatrapa, who ruled over this region in the first century CE.
• Following the decline of Buddhism, the site was occupied by Jains. Even during the medieval period, Jain monasteries were most likely still present.

Cave No. 10

Pandavleni Caves - Features

• The Pandavleni caves are a collection of ancient Buddhist caves.
• The Kshatrapas, Satavahanas, and Abhirs - the three Kings who previously governed Nashik – are depicted in these caverns.
• The Pandavleni Caves are a set of 24 Buddhist caves of the Hinayana faith.
• All of the caves are excellent examples of intricate carving and craftsmanship, but Caves No. 3, 10, and 18 are especially noteworthy for their outstanding sculptures.
• Water seepage is a major issue in this area, and it is exacerbated during the rainy season. As a result, some of the caves have been converted into water reservoirs. One such example is Cave No. 1.
• Cave No.2 was carved as a Vihara (residential quarter) in the first and second centuries CE, and it was later converted into a shrine with Buddha images.
• Cave No. 3 is one of the most interesting, as it is lavishly decorated. There are six massive dwarves (doors).
• Two caves stand out among the twenty-four caves:
  • The main cave (Cave No. 18) which is the Chaitya (prayer hall), has a gorgeous Stupa; the pillars are one-of-a-kind because they have inscriptions written vertically on them.
  • Cave no. 10, is complete in both structural and inscription details.
• The Trirashmi caves are superb instances of detailed carving and craftsmanship, with excellent sculptures.
• The caves have exquisite Buddha statues as well as prominent Jain Tirthankaras such as Vrishabhdeo, Bodhisattva symbols, Veer Manibhadra Ji, and Ambikadevi.

Carvings of Jain Tirthankars

• The Nasik Caves' inscriptions mention the King of Western Maharashtra, the Kshatrapa dynasty, the Satavahana dynasty, the excavation of the caves' Vihars, Shrines, Chaityas, and Cisterns, and the giving of a hamlet to Nasik residents.
• The caves had an excellent water arrangement, with expertly chiseled water tanks exquisitely carved into the rocks.

Conclusion

The cave’s northern frontage protects them from the sun and rains from the south-west, so much of the carved work and many long and valuable inscriptions have survived fresh and undamaged for 1500-2000 years. The art and architecture at the site, as well as the inscriptions, provide a detailed record of this power struggle. Inscriptions like these have aided researchers in understanding the political, socioeconomic, and religious conditions that existed in Ancient India.