Karad Caves

Karad Caves
Karad caves, Agashiv Leni.
Map showing the location of Karad Caves
Map showing the location of Karad Caves
Map showing the location of Karad Caves
Map showing the location of Karad Caves
Coordinates17°14′07″N 74°09′08″E / 17.2352778°N 74.1522222°E / 17.2352778; 74.1522222

The Karad Caves form a group of 66 Buddhist caves located about 5 kilometers south west of Karad, near the village Jakhinwadi overlooking the Koyna River.[1] They are composed of:

The caves are located on Agashiv hill and some caves are scattered around Jakhinwadi. The caves facing south are important caves. There are caves in the valley as well. One of the caves is named after Chokhamela who lived there for about 8 years.[2]

These caves are carved in first century BC and are very simple.[1]

  • Cave 5 – have earliest Buddhist symbols
  • Cave 30- Buddhist symbols

The inscription describes the gift by Sanghmitra, Son of Gopala.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Ahir, D. C. (2003). Buddhist sites and shrines in India: history, art, and architecture (1. ed.). Delhi: Sri Satguru Publ. p. 197. ISBN 8170307740.
  2. ^ Frere, H. B. E. (1851). "Memorandum of some Buddhist Excavations near Karadh". Journal of the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 3. The Society: 108–117.