Pitalkhora Caves
Pitalkhora consists of 14 Buddhist Caves which forms one of the earliest centers of the monastic establishments in Maharashtra. All the caves belong to Hinayana phase and practically no architectural activity of the Mahayana period is noticeable. The presence of Mahayana phase is only reflected in the form of paintings especially in Cave 3. The caves are in two groups, one to the right of ravine (Group I) and another to the left (Group - II) of which 6 are chaityagrihas, (3, 9b, 10, 11, 12 and 13), and the rest are viharas. Viharas follow a simple plan, consisting of rectangular hall having cells on side walls; these cells consist of simple beds and niches cut in rock. Among the viharas, Cave 4 is a unique excavation. This cave consists of a large hall with seven cells having barrel vaulted roof, a first attempt to adorn the facade with sculptural decoration could be seen here. Among the six chaityagrihas, Cave 3 is noteworthy which follows the classic plan consisting of an apsidal roof prayer hall, which is divided into a nave, apes and side aisles by a colonnade of pillars running parallel to walls. There are two inscriptions on 10th and 11th pillars from front on the right row. One records, Patithana Mita devasa Gadhikasa kulasa (thab) o danam - the pillar was a gift of Mitadeva of Gadhika (Gandhkasa- Perfume maker) family and the other says, Patithana Sanghakasa putana thabo danam - it was a gift of the sons of Samghaka, both the donors were from Pratishtana or the modern Paithan.