Buddhist caves of Bandhavgarh

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) earlier this year discovered Buddhist caves and stupas, and Brahmi inscriptions, dating back to the 2nd century, and Hindu temples from the 9th-11th centuries, and possibly the world’s largest Varaha sculpture also dating to the same period, at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
These findings would approximately date back to the same time as the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra.

bandhavgarh buddhist cave

ASI officials told the media that the caves date back to the time between 2nd century BC and 5th century BC, and pertain to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Other remains of Mahayana sect, such as chaitya-shaped doors and cells containing stone beds, have also been reported.
The ASI team found a Buddhist pillar fragment containing miniature stupa carvings, dating back to the 2nd-3rd century AD.
In all, 24 Brahmi inscriptions, dating from 2nd-5th century AD, have been reported.

The inscriptions mention sites such as Mathura and Kaushambi, and Pavata, Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa.

Important kings of the era mentioned in the inscriptions include Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri and Bhattadeva.

bandhavgarh monolith

The remains of 26 temples date to the Kalachuri period between 9th-11th centuries. In addition to this, two Saiva mutts have also been documented.
- The Kalachuri dynasty, which spread over parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, is also associated with the earliest Ellora and Elephanta cave monuments.
Large monolithic sculptures of various avatars of Vishnu like ‘Varaha’ and ‘Matsya’, and “board games made in natural caves.
Coins belonging to Mughal-era and Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur Sultanate have also been found
Buddhist remains, maths, sculptures, water bodies, mural inscriptions in old scripts like Brahmi and Nagari. inscriptions are also in Shankhalipi.
Some remains of the Gupta period, such as door jambs and carvings in caves, have also been found.

Bandhavgarh National Park is situated amid the Satpura and Vindhya ranges
It is best known for Evergreen Sal forest and Mixed forest.
The Major Mammals of Bandhavgarh are Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, Wild cat, Hyena, Wolf, Chital, Sambar, Black Buck, Rojda etc.
According to Koppen’s Scheme, this park lies in Monsoon type with Dry Winter Climate.
Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India.
White Tigers were first discovered near this region. Bandhavgarh National Park at present is a famous natural hub for White Tigers.

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