Nagarjuni Caves

Karishma Sahani

2nd Year

Art History
 INDEX

 Introduction Of Nagarjuni Caves

 Gopi-ka Cave
 Vapiya-ka Cave
 Vadathi-ka Cave
 Bibliography
 Pictures
 INTRODUCTION OF NAGARJUNI CAVES

The Nagarjuna caves bear inscriptions of Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha which are helpful
in determining the dates of construction and religious affiliations of the residents.  Dasharatha, is
known to have dedicated three caves in the Nagarjuni Hills to the Ajivika sect. Three caves were
excavated in the Nagarjuna Hills - the Vadathi-ka-Kubha, the Vapiya-ka-Kubha, and the Gopi-
ka-Kubha.  Nagarjuni Caves are commonly joined with Barabar Caves in one group of
monuments. This is because; both the caves are believed to have a number of similarities.
The wild location of Nagarjuni caves makes it is a less popular monument of the town.

GOPI-KA-KUBHA

 Gopi-ka -Kubha is a cave available by stepping up a flight of megalithic steps.

 It has got the largest chamber in group.
 Cave contains several important inscriptions, some of these testify that son of Ashoka -
Dasaratha (reigned in 232 - 224 BC) - has devoted these caves to Ajivika.
 There are a number of inscriptions found on the walls. 
  It is believed that some Islamic saints used to live in these caves during the
19th century.
 This cave has polished walls and floor.
 The caves were carved out of granite and finished with nice polishing on inner surface, its
giving a mirror effect.
 The precision and accuracy are extra ordinary which characterizes Mauryan work.
 VAPIYA-KA-KUBHA

 Vapiya-ka-Kubha is believed to be excavated during the time of King Dasharatha.

 It is the cave of the well.
 Nearby there are remains of several buildings, possibly viharas. 
 It consists of quadrangular rooms and beautiful walls.
 Cave contains inscriptions.
 It has a number of short inscriptions from Gupta era as well.

VADATHI-KA-KUBHA

 This caves have similar inscriptions as Vapiya-ka-Kubha, just the name of cave is
different.
 It is located on the rock and consists of single quadrangular room and had an inscriptions
of Dasharatha Maurya.
 The inscription is carved in granite surface.
 Vadathika Kubha which is accessible through a natural gap. One can find some
structural stupas in the cave as it is believed that years ago, the place was dedicated
to Buddhist religious practices.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 https://www.tripoto.com/gaya/trips/barabar-nagarjuni-caves-unfolding-the-history-
5ca18e7341872
 https://www.indianholiday.com/tourist-attraction/bodhgaya/nearby-places/nagarjuni-
caves.html
 http://www.cpreecenvis.nic.in/Database/NagarjuniHills_2525.aspx
PICTURES