Karla Caves

INDIA, Maharashtra

These caves are located about 60 km northwest of Pune in Maharashtra state. They were created between the mid-1st century BCE and the 4th century CE. Of the known caves at the site, Cave 8 is a caitya cave, while the rest are vihara caves.
Cave 8 was created during the latter half of the 1st century. It has an apsidal layout and is approximately 14 m wide and 38 m deep. The courtyard contains a huge stone pillar with four lions carved into the capital, likely influenced by the famous Asoka Pillars. The caitya window on the facade of the cave entrance measures 18 m in height. Several smaller imitation caitya windows are carved into the side walls of the portico. Three doors lead into the main hall; the left and right side doors lead to the side corridors.
Within the main hall, imitation wooden beams are carved into the barrel-vaulted ceiling. A total of 37 octagonal columns form a U-shaped corridor around the cave. The walls within are decorated with images of mithuna couples, elephants, guardians, and the Buddha Teaching the Dharmas. The stupa at the rear of the hall is shaped like an inverted alms bowl, with a harmika on top of it. The wooden canopy structure mounted on the harmika is damaged.
Cave 8 preserves numerous inscriptions from donors, including local royalty, traveling merchants, monks, and nuns. One inscription also indicates the presence of relics within the cave.