Bedse Caves

Bedse Caves
The Chaityagrha in the cave
Map showing the location of Bedse Caves
Map showing the location of Bedse Caves
LocationMaval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India
GeologyBasalt
Difficultyeasy
PronunciationBedse or Bedsa

Bedse Caves (also known as Bedsa Caves) are a group of Buddhist rock-cut monuments situated in Maval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India. The history of the caves can be traced back to the Satavahana period[1] in the 1st century BCE.[2] They are some 9 km from the Bhaja Caves. Other caves in the area are Karla Caves, Patan Buddhist Cave and Nasik Caves.

There are two main caves. The best known cave is the chaitya (prayer hall - Cave 7) with a comparatively large stupa, the other cave is the monastery or vihara (Cave 11). They are marked by a profusion of decorative gavaksha or chaitya arch motifs.[3]

  1. ^ Michell, 351
  2. ^ Harle, 54
  3. ^ Michell, 351-352