Ghatotkach Caves

INDIA, Maharashtra

These caves are located 18 km west of Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. There are three caves, consisting of one caitya cave and two vihara caves. An inscription within the caves indicates that they were developed by Mahayana Buddhists during the Vakataka period (circa 250–550). At one time the two vihara caves would have housed up to 30 monks. Each vihara consists of a main hall and a passageway formed by a colonnade, with small residence cells built into the side walls. One of the vihara caves has 20 pillars and 10 cells. The layout is similar to the caves from the same period found at Ajanta Caves. Numerous reliefs and sculptures adorn the cave walls, and the window and door frames are carefully carved with multi-level decorative reliefs.