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Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves
Context: On the third day of her Odisha tour, President Droupadi Murmu visited the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves in Bhubaneswar.
Historical Background:
- Constructed during the reign of Kalinga King Kharavela in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC.
- Located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Served as residences for Jain monks.
- Originally known as Kattaka or Cuttack Caves.
- Hills referred to as Kumari Parvata in Hathigumpha inscription.
- Rock-cutting continued till the Somavamsis period (10th-11th century AD).
Udayagiri Caves Contains 18 caves
- Famous caves: Hathi Gumpha, Ananta Gumpha, Ganesha Gumpha, Jaya Vijaya Gumpha, Mancapuri Gumpha, Bagha/Vyaghra Gumpha, Sarpa Gumpha.
- Significant caves:
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- Rani Gumpha (Queen’s Cave): Double-storeyed monastery, known for its acoustic qualities and central wing relief images.
- Ganesh Gumpha: Notable for carvings of Jain Tirthankara and sculpture carvings.
- Hathi Gumpha: Features inscriptions of King Kharavela detailing his conquests and leadership.
Significance:
- Located roughly 200 metres apart, facing each other.
- Showcases advanced rock-cut architecture and carvings.
- Depicts mythological and historical themes, including the Kalinga War.
- Jain monks used the caves for residence and meditation.
- Equipped with water sources, communication systems, lamp places, and tilted flooring for headrests.
- Most caves are double-story, with upper chambers for deep meditation.
Modern Importance:
- Listed as Adarsh Smarak Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves reflect the religious, cultural, and artistic heritage of ancient India.
- Served as important centres for Jain ascetics and later became a significant site for Buddhist activities.
