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Give information about the caves of Gujarat. |
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Answer» (1) Caves of Junagadh: There are three groups of caves in Junagadh. Each group is discussed below: (a) Group of Bava Pyara Caves: They are in the three lines intersecting each other at right angles. There are total sixteen caves. Out of them four are in first line, seven in second and five in third line. It is believed that these caves were carved during first to second century i.e. in the beginning of AD. (2) Khambhalida Caves: These caves were discovered in 1959 AD. They are situated at Khambhalida near Gondal, 70 km from Rajkot. Three of them are remarkable. The cave at the middle consists of Chaitya Gruha with stupa. We can find figures of Boddhi sattvas and statues of devotees standing and supported by these on both sides of entrance gate. The caves are believed to be of second or third century. (3) Talaja Cave: There is a mountain called the Talaja Mountain near the mouth of Shetrunji River in Bhavnagar district. Shri Talaji Teerth (Taldhwajgiri Teerth) is a famous pilgrim of Talaja. There are 30 beautiful caves carved from the stones. The caves also consist of a huge gate. Mandap (Sabhakhand) and Chaitya Gruha are the best examples of sculpture and protection point of view. These caves are belived to be of third century AD. (4) Sana Cave: This group of caves is situated on the top of Sana hill in Vankiya village, Una taluka in Gir- Somnath district. These 62 caves are spread on Sana hill like beehives. Dhank Cave: Dhank giri is situated in Dhank village of Upleta taluka at Rajkot district. It is believed that these caves might have been built in the beginning of fourth century. (5) Zinzurizar: In the west of Dhank, about 7 km from Siddhsar, is the valley of Zinzurizar. There are many Buddhist caves in this valley. It is considered that they have been built in the second century. (6) Khapra-Kodiya Caves at Kachchh: There are two caves on the top of mountain near old Paatgadh, in Lakhpat taluka of Kachchh. These caves were discovered by K.K. Shastri in 1967 AD. (7) Caves at Kaliya Dungar: There are three caves in Kaliya Dungar at Jhagadiya taluka in Bharuch district. These are the best old architectural specimens of Buddhist religion. Architecture of these caves is marvelous. The caves contain an 11 feet high pillar in the form of a statue of a lion. The lion statue has two bodies and one mouth. The pillar has been cut from a single rock. |
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