Pitalkhora Caves

INDIA, Maharashtra

Situated approximately 90 km to the northwest of Aurangabad in Maharashtra province, the Pitalkhora Caves are set high up in a remote valley. Caves 1 to 9 are located on the northern slope. All of these are vihara caves except for Cave 3, which is a caitya cave. Caves 10 to 13 are all caitya caves and are situated on the southern slope. The caves were constructed between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE and are richly decorated with reliefs. The facades are carved with imitation wooden columns and eaves; however, most have suffered weathering and are severely damaged due to the fragile rock structure.
Caves 3 and 4 are comparatively large in scale. Based on the interior inscription regarding benefactors, it is believed that the reliefs date from the 2nd century BCE. In Cave 3, there are 37 octagonal columns dividing the central hall and side corridors. Beautiful colored paintings are found on the ceiling and walls, and there are standing Buddha images painted on the columns. A crystal reliquary was found during the archaeological excavation of the cave.
Cave 4 is the largest vihara cave and has a high platform outside the entrance. A row of life-sized elephants carved in relief are depicted on the facade of the platform. Each elephant has a saddle and a mahout. The door frame on the left side of the elephant group is carved with lotus and honeysuckle patterns. On both sides of it stand guardians in high-relief. The door guardians have robust physiques and stand with their legs slightly apart. Carvings of elephants and kinnaras can be seen above the guardians.
Among the detached rock debris, a carved panel was found depicting the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha. This is the only artwork from the Life of the Buddha that has been found at the cave site.