Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Bihar, India, the Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills are home to a remarkable set of ancient rock-cut caves. The photograph above captures the natural beauty and architectural wonder of these caves, which are considered the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills are situated near Jehanabad, around 40 kilometers north of Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar.
The Barabar caves are in the Barabar Hills, while the Nagarjuni caves are just a few kilometers away.
The caves were carved between the 3rd century BCE and the 2nd century BCE.
They were commissioned during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha of the Mauryan dynasty.
The caves were used by the Ajivika sect, an ancient ascetic group.
Later, they were also used by Buddhist and Jain monks.
The Barabar and Nagarjuni caves are renowned for their architectural sophistication and polished interiors.
Lomas Rishi Cave:
The most famous of the Barabar caves, with an arched facade that imitates wooden architecture.
Features a semi-circular entrance carved into the rock.
Sudama Cave:
Similar in design to Lomas Rishi but simpler.
Contains two chambers, with the inner chamber featuring polished walls.
Karan Chaupar Cave:
Smaller cave with a single rectangular chamber.
Known for its remarkable acoustic properties.
Visva Zopri Cave:
Features a polished interior and a narrow entrance.
Gopika Cave:
Larger in size compared to Barabar caves, with inscriptions dedicating it to the Ajivikas.
Vapiya Cave:
Features inscriptions attributing the cave to Emperor Ashoka’s grandson, Dasaratha.
Vedathika Cave:
Contains similar inscriptions and has a polished interior.
The caves contain several inscriptions in Brahmi script, attributing their construction to Emperor Ashoka and Dasaratha.
These inscriptions offer insights into the religious practices of the time.
The interiors are notable for their highly polished surfaces, often compared to a mirror-like finish.
This Mauryan polish is an engineering marvel that remains well-preserved.
The caves were originally intended for the Ajivika sect, a contemporary of Buddhism and Jainism.
The Ajivikas believed in a doctrine of fate and lived ascetic lives.
After the decline of the Ajivika sect, the caves were used by Buddhist and Jain monks for meditation and retreats.
The caves have been studied extensively by archaeologists and historians.
They provide valuable insights into the early architecture of India and the spread of religious practices.
The caves attract tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.
Efforts are being made to preserve the caves, particularly the inscriptions and polished interiors.
The Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills are a testament to the architectural and religious legacy of ancient India. The rock-cut caves, with their polished interiors and intricate facades, offer a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic pursuits of the Mauryan period.
Today, these caves stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, inviting visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of India's past while marveling at the ingenuity of its ancient builders.
