Aurangabad Sub Circle (Aurangabad Caves)

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Aurangabad group of Caves (19º55’2.54” N; 75º18’42.27”E) lying at a height of nearly of 70 ft. from the surrounding ground level is hewn out of the Deccan trap formation. Dedicated to Buddhism, there are 12 caves in all, which fall into three separate groups. The first group consists of Caves No 1 to 5, the second from 6 to 9 and the third from 10 to 12. These Caves are datable from circa 3rd century CE to 7th Century CE. Among the first group, Cave No.1 is an incomplete cave and only the portico and the pillars are finished. Cave No.2 and 5 resemble the contemporary structural temples, which are rare in rock-out examples. Cave No.3 is the most prominent and also the largest among the first group. This is a huge monastery having a sanctum with circumambulatory passage. The pillars are richly carved with foliage, mithunas and also Jataka tales. Cave No. 4 is the only chaityagriha belonging to the Hinayana phase. The second group is located nearly 1 km to the north east of the first group. Cave 6 A is small in size and is dedicated to Ganesh. Cave No.6 and 7 are monasteries, which are important for their rich sculptures and detailed representation. Cave No.8 and 9 are unfinished excavations, which also give us an idea of the process of excavation. This group has clusters of sculptures which are the best specimens at Aurangabad Caves. The important sculptures in this group are of Bodhisattvas, AsthamahabhayaAvlokitesvara, Bodhisattvas with six pranjna deities, Hariti-Panchika, dancng panel, Mahaparinirvana scene etc. The pillars are beautifully carved with foliage, geometrical designs, dwarf figures at the corners and mithunas in the medallions. The third group (caves No. 10-12) is located at the far end of the northern side, at a short distance from the second group and is inaccessible. Cave No. 10 and 11 are unfinished cells and are totally dilapidated. Cave 12 is a Monastery.

(1) Fergussons, James & Burgess James, The Cave temple of India, MunshiramManoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Post Box 5715, 54 Rani Zhansi Road, New Delhi 110055 (2000, IIIrd Edition) Page No.: -280-345. (2) Edited by Yazdani G., The early History of the Deccan, Part I-VI., Authority of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, by the Oxford University Press, London, Bombay, New york. (1960), Page No.: -744-777.

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