Incredible India | Buddhist Legacy

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta is located 107 kilometers from Aurangabad and 60 kilometers from Jalgaon. A cluster of 32 Buddhist caves not far from a medieval village of the same name, the site is a protected monument in the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. Moreover, since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The thirty rock-hewn caves at Ajanta, cut into the scarp of a cliff are either Chaityas (chapels) or Viharas (monasteries). On the walls of the caves are paintings, many still glowing with their original colours. The outer walls are covered with brilliantly executed sculpture. The Buddhist theme of the Ajanta paintings recounts the life of Lord Buddha and tales of his previous earthly experiences.

Amaravati

Amaravati is a small town located on the banks of Krishna River. It is about 33 kilometres from Vijayawada and has historical importance. It used to be the site of an ancient Buddhist settlement, which was known as Chintapalli. The stupa at this site was said to be bigger than the one at Sachi. This stupa was built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of King Ashoka. It had gateway at each cardinal point. While these structures are no longer there, one of the gateways was meticulously reconstructed. The carvings on the gateway highlight the life of Buddha. There is a small museum that has collections right from the 3rd century to the 12th century AD and one of the images of Buddha has lotus symbols on the feet with long ear lobes and tight curls.

Assandh

Assandh in the Karnal district of Haryana has for long been in the shadows of better known Buddhist sites. The place has the unique distinction of being home to an imposing Buddhist Stupa. With a height of 25 metres and diameter of 75 metres, this colossal structure testifies to the greatness of the ancient Buddhist architecture. The probable date of the establishment of the Assandh stupa is ascribed to the Kushana period (1st-3rd century AD). Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas, was a great patron of Buddhism. Several remains bear testimony to the popularity of Buddhism during his reign. The Mathura school of art which is credited with having produced the first images of the Buddha flourished under the Kushana rule.

Aurangabad Caves

Situated at a distance of 5 km nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves dating back to 3 AD. The Tantric influence is evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara (mausoleum) from this point.

Bairat Monastery

This site is located the village of Bairat (ancient name Viratanagara), 52 miles from Jaipur in the Jaipur district. It is famous for an Asokan inscription. It also has a very early free-standing monastery, probably from the 3rd century BCE. Xuanzang, in the 630's, found 8 monasteries on the site but most were ruined. Only a few monks remained. Excavations carried out on the different terraces of this hill known as Bijak-ki-Pahari have yielded remains of a Mauryan circular stupa-shrine made of lime-plastered panels of brickwork alternating with twenty-six octagonal pillars of wood, preceded by monastic remains with a double row of cells arranged around an open square courtyard.

Bedse Caves

Bedse is situated in the Maval Taluka of Pune District and is situated about 45 km Northwest of Pune. It can be approached by taking a diversion at Kamshet. The caves date back to th 1st Century BC. There are two finished and two unfinished Buddhist caves at Bedse along with some rock–cut cisterns and a memorial stupa. The ‘chaityagriha’ (a Buddhist shrine) is carved with a stone screen and a verandah has tall pillars with beautifully carved images of animals and riders. The ‘vihara’ at Bedse is unique for its apsidal plan and vaulted roof. The inscription on the door frame of a cell in the courtyard of the chaityagriha records a donation of a person from Nashik. The caves at Bedse are considered an important stage in the development of Buddhist cave architecture in India

Cave Temple

The Cave Temples of Badami consist of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings and depictions. These carvings depict Shiva and Vishnu in various avatars in the first 3 temples, representing the Brahmanical style. The fourth temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. Some of the finest of sculptures are the Vishnu seated as Adishesha; the Dancing Shiva and Lord Brahma on the Hamsa. The visitors are kept engrossed by the culture and heritage of the time gone by.

Chandavaram Buddhist Site

The town of Chandavaram is located in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh on the banks of the River Gundla Kamma. The Chandavaram Buddist Site is located on a hill called Singarayakonda. It was first discovered by the eminent archeologist and historian Dr. VeluriVenkata Krishna Sastry. An outstanding stupa with double terraces that was built on a high platform is the main monument that is of interest. The archeological site is treasure trove of buildings and objects from the Buddhist period between 2nd Century BC and 2nd Century AD. The Chandavaram Stupa is only next to the Sanchi Stupa in significance and elegance and resembles the famous DharajakaStupa at Taxila.

Chaneti Stupa

It is a small village situated 3 kms east of Jagadhri and nearly the same distance north-west of the historical site of Sugh. The area in which Chaneti is situated is known as the Khadar of the Yamuna River which now flows about 7 kms east of it and on the old deserted bed of which was excavated the Western Yamuna Canal. There were thick forests in this area and the present village was inhabited only about a hundred and seventy years back by clearing away these forests. Buddhist Stupa at Chaneti In the south-east of the village lies the site containing a Kushana period Buddhist Stupa. Dr. D.D. Handa of Kurukshetra University has given detailed description of this Stupa (VIJ, Vol. IV, Part I, pp. 75-80) and recently ASI branch of Chandigarh Circle has undertaken steps for its restoration. We produce below some of the details about it available in the earlier studies. The height of the mound is nearly 8 meters and its diameter about 20 meters. The original height must have been more than it is at present. The bricks used are well-burnt and yellowish-red in colour. The two sizes of the bricks are 30X30X7 cms and 30X15X7 cms. Laying down the rules of construction of a Stupa, is said that the first step was probably merely to build the cairn, the next step was to build the cairn of concentric layers of huge bricks in use at the time and to surround the whole with a wooden railing. Eluding to the very shape of this Stupa (Brick mound), Dr. Handa avers that it corresponds greatly to the Shahpur and Dharmarajika Stupas at Taxila as the same method of laying the concentric layers of huge bricks, the gradually diminishing diameter as the structure rise up and up. The bricks well-set in the circular fashion, the core of burnt bricks, and the place of Harmika as the top, all lead to its being a Stupa. The testimony of Huen Tsang, who visited Sulo-kin-na i.e. ancient Srughana/Sugh in the first half of seventh century AD, is also very important. It seems that the Chaneti Stupa must have been one of these which were erected in Dhanabhutiâ time in and around the capital city. The yellowish red colour of the bricks which is typical of the Mauryan period and the plain, square and large sized bricks, corresponding with those used in the construction of the Bharhut Stupa lend further support to surmise that this Stupa was erected some time during the reign of King Dhanabhuti who ruled from 240 to 210 B.C. a find which has however, to be confirmed by more positive epigraphically or excavation evidence

Chitradurga

Brahmagiri’s Ishila, one of his provincial capitals where rock edicts dated 3rd century BC were discovered. These inscriptions are also an important from the viewpoint of assimilation of Buddhist culture and language of Brahmi and Prakrit in regional Kannada culture. Jatinga Rameshvara and Siddhapura also comprise the heritage of Ashokan edicts in the district. This hill fort has 14 temples, remains of a palace, a mosque built by Tipu Sultan and an Archaeological Museum.

Chudamani Vihara

The once famous Buddhist Vihara in Nagapattinam of Tamil Nadu is called as Chudamani Vihara. This Vihara was constructed by Sri Vijayan King Sri Mara Vijayattunga Varman on 1006 CE with the help of Great King Raja Raja Cholan. About 350 Buddha Bronze idols were found in this place from 1856 which were of the period from 11th to 16th Century. Kasiba Thera (A buddhist monk) renovated the vihara during the 6th Century AD with the Help of Naganadu (Nagapattinam) monks as per the details given in the Animangalam Copper Plate of King Kulothunga Chola I.

Deor Kothar

Deor Kothar is a location of archaeological importance in Madhya Pradesh, Central India. It is popular for its Buddhist stupas and was discovered in 1982.These stupas are credited to Mauryan emperor Ashoka the great. It is located about 5 km North West of the Katra village in Rewa district at a distance of 75 km from Rewa on Rewa - Allahabad Road. The stupa of Deor Kothar was established by the Mauryan king Asoka in the 3rd century BCE. In the ancient time the site was located on the Dakshinapatha running east west from Patalipurta to Pratishthana in Maharashtra through central part of India. This place, because of it is located near the place like Sagar, Sanchi, Sarnath and Kaushambi, used to be frequently visited by the monks. Discovery of Deor Kothar: This place was discovered by P.K. Mishra along with Ajit Singh in 1982 and in 1988 the place was declared as national importance by Government of India and is being preserved and conserved by Archaeological Survey of India, Bhopal. Architecture of Deor Kothar: The Deorkothar complex proudly houses four brick stupas, the most ever found at a site of this period. The bricks used are of varied sizes like twirling lotus, conical lotus bud, and a simple flower pot on a three-tiered pedestal-the carving of which foreshadows early Buddhist art, can be seen on the railing posts of the largest brick stupa, which rises to a height of nearly 30 feet. The stencil cut design of the friezes, along with their simple ornamentation and paucity of animal and human figures depict that they are attempt for stone railing art. This stupa was at Deorkothar was built much before the early free standing Sanchi Stupa. Apart from this the site of Deorkothar also comprises monasteries, an ancient pathway, a system for water channel, and 30 stone stupas, many of which contained sherds of high quality northern black polished ware, the pottery of everyday use between 700 and 300 B.C. The absence of such sherds from Sanchi proves the fact that Deorkothar predates that site. There are 63 rock shelters adorned with various types of arts dating back to first century BC which were used by monks for meditation. One of the paintings shows a tree and a stupa surrounded by a railing. Others show social or hunting scenes; men, women, and animals; weapons; and designs. Although the pillars bear resemblance with the typical Mauryan polish, it is not made of the Chunar sandstone features of the Ashoka Empire but of the local sandstone. Some of the other remains that have been found are that of stone pieces, pottery and bangles with beautiful polish and some exquisite copper fragments. Some of the other art form that are worthy of mention are the stone pieces of the Mauryan polished chattra (the multi-tiered "umbrella" at the top of a stupa) with evidence of radial ribs. To the west of the main stupa, a lump of iron ore, iron slag and white nodules of lime indicate the presence of an iron-smelting furnace nearby.

Dhanbad

Dhanbad District was constituted in 1956 by carving out the old Dhanbad subdivision, Chas and Chandankiyari police stations of the Sadar subdivision of the erstwhile Manbhum District. The coal capital, Dhanbad in Jharkhand also yielded relics of Buddhist statues along with an ancient pillar belonging to Ashokan times. It locates many temples, hills, rivers and rivulets, which are enjoyed as best weekend getaways by both locals and tourists. Chati Gobindpur village here enfolds two ancient pillars those are associated with Emperor Ashoka and the Afghan Chief Sher Shah. Then there is Bekar Bandh, known as a pretty pond enclosed by beautiful scenery, visitors enjoy the boating facility at this site. Lord Shiva is revered here as Pandewesha rMahadev, his temple is associated with a legend of the Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata era. The beautiful Panchet Dam roars with waters of the Damodar River, and the surrounding hills of Panchet makes for an amazing backdrop for picnickers and holiday makers.

Dharmrajeshwar

Dharmrajeshwar Cave Temple is a famous Cave Temple. It is located in Garoth town of Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh. This Temple is a Buddhist and Hindu Cave Temple. This temple is a monolithic temple. In the 9th century, this temple was carved by using solid natural rocks. Sabhamandapa and porch is a sanctum of this temple. The temple shrine is in the north Indian style. This temple's architecture is compared with Kailash Temple of Ellora.

Dhauligiri Hil

Dhauligiri Hills is a place marked with the serenity of Daya River and lies at a distance of 8 Km from Bhubaneswar. The famous rock edicts of Ashoka are worth witnessing, it stands as a testimony of the famous Kalinga War fought here on the banks of River Daya in 261 BC that changed Emperor Ashoka to an apostle of peace. The earliest rock-cut figure of an elephant can be seen on the top of the edict. Moreover, it is in Dhauli Hills that adopted the path of dharma which lets only peace and love enter your lives. The concept of dharma- vijay became his ultimate goal as he took Buddhist teachings deep into his heart. The end of the bloody battles was only to serve and favor mankind. With this, the religious and spiritual beliefs of Buddhism spread to different parts of the world. Dhauli Hills in Bhubaneswar takes you to the site of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The dome structure of the Shanti Stupa possesses five umbrellas and they symbolize the five essential parts of Buddhism.

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri), which features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The most important among the caves is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back. The 7-metre-high masterpiece Sadashiva” dominates the entrance to Cave 1. The sculpture represents three aspects of Shiva: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer, identified, respectively, with Aghora or Bhairava (left half), Taptapurusha or Mahadeva (central full face), and Vamadeva or Uma (right half). The Elephanta Caves is a designated World Heritage Site. Regular ferries/launches are available from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves chiseled into perfection between the 4th and the 9th century belongs to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths. One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Maharashtra, Ellora dates back to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, about 1,500 years ago, and is the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. There are in all 34 caves, of which 12 are Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain. A protected site under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India, Cave No. 16 popularly known as Kailash Temple is a World Heritage Site carved from a single monolithic structure.

Ghantasala

Situated at a distance of about sixty kilometres from the largest city Vijaywada of Krishna district that is one of the 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh, it is a township and headquarters. It is located at a distance of about 11kms from River Krishna in the East and 21kms from Machlipatnam in the West. This place is believed to be named after the horse of Buddha known as ‘Kantakasaila’. The city of Ghantashala has been recognized as a chief tourist attraction by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and is famous for the remnants of Buddhist sculptures and Stupa that were established in 1919-1920. Ghantashala was considered previously as a historical place in the year 1871 by Boswell belonging to the East India Company. Later on it was re-discovered by Alexander. The Stupa is of an exclusive design resembling to the architecture of Satavahana periods and is also known as ‘Maha Chaitya’. It is an arrangement of bricks forming a solid cubical placed in the middle that is embellished by twelve zodiac signs. There is a three-dimensional engraved structure of two garland bearers on the top of the Stupa that is made up of limestone, a small Stupa seated on a throne in the centre and a Dhamma Chakra. Representing the birth of Buddha there is an item called ‘Purna Kalash’ that contains lotus flowers. It is said that there was a time when the dome of the Stupa was adorned with forty-seven slabs screening the Buddha, but later on were a bit ruined. The museum of the Ghantashala town has a collection of plenty of Buddhists remnants but a few of them also embellish the museums of Paris. Satavahana and Roman Gold coins can also be found in the Ghantashala Museum. A temple known as Jaladheeswaraswamy is a significant religious attraction of this place as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is placed together here. It is also known as Chinna Kasi and was believed to be constructed by various Gods. Adi Shankarachary was said to perform his first rites in this temple. There are special offerings made to Lord Shiva in the month of November by the people of Ghantashala.

Hajo

Known as a bustling seat of ancient Tantrism and one of the few remaining places in India that still prides itself in preserving the practices of the occult, very few outside of Assam would know that many centuries ago, Assam was a hotbed of Buddhism too.Changing trends in religious influences and social metamorphosis might or might not have changed who or how some ancient shrines that have survived till modern day Assam are worshipped today, but artifacts, archaeological findings and word of mouth appear to demonstrate the Buddhism has had its days of glory in ancient Assam.Beliefs state the Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan (also known as Vajrayana) Buddhism, died in Hajo, a town 28 kilometers from Guwahati. Nagarjuna, another leader of Mahayana Buddhism, is said to have erected a Caitya (Memorial) in Hajo around the 1st or 2nd century AD. Some scholars believe that this Caitya was converted into a Hindu temple around the 3rd or 4th century AD. The temple of Hayagriva-Madhava in Hajo is considered a pilgrimage from Southeast Asia.The 7th century AD Buddhist traveller Hiuen Tsang from China travelled across Assam during the reign of Bhaskarvarman, who although not a Buddhist himself, had a soft corner for the religion. Scholars vary on Hiuen Tsang's observations on Buddhism in Assam, some saying that he did not find any trace of it, and some stating that he observed it being practised secretly due to its esoteric practices. However, Bhaskarvarman did travel with Hiuen Tsang to the court of King Harsha in Kanauj to attend a large Buddhist conference.

Kadia Dungar Caves

Seven rock-cut caves and monolithic lion pillars can be seen at Kadia Dungar. The caves suggest that they were viharas. A Brick stupa was also found in the foothills. These caves were in use during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Kadia Dungar Caves are approximately 100 km. from Vadodara City. The nearest Railway Station is at Bharuch, which is about 41 km. away.

Kanchipuram Monastery

Kanchipuram, or Kanchi, is a famous temple city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom. It is now the Administrative headquarters of Kanchipuram district.This ancient city of Kachipuram was once an important Buddhist centre where many prominent Buddhist monks lived. Some of them were Buddhaghosha 5th century, Sumati, Jotipala, Aniruddha, Acharya Dharmapala, Deepankara Tero, Ananda Tero, Saddhamma Jotipala/ And among the most famous Buddhists of ancient Kanchi are Dignaga, the nun Manimegalai and Bodhidharma. The Buddhist centres built during the time of the kings can still be seen.

Kaveripattinam

The remnants of Buddhist Vihara found in Kaveripattinam belong to third-fourth century CE and are similar to that of Nagarjunakonda. An ancient miniature bronze Buddha image of 5th fifth century CE was also found at the Buddhist Temple of Kaveripattinam. History of Buddhist Temple in Kaveripattinam starts from the way back to sixth century CE. Archeologists found that the constructions of Buddhist Vihara were delayed in the fifth century CE due to the incursion of the sea on to Kaveripattinam area.

Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri

Lalitgiri, with its other name as Naltigiri, is the 1st century Buddhist complex in Orissa, which together with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri creates Puspagiri University which has a number of best sculptures of that age – like significant stupas and monasteries (viharas). As a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage, this ancient lush village Lalitgiri is a holy destination for a large number of Buddhism devotees. Numerous excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have related this region with the origin point of Buddhism. ASI has been conducting such excavations since 1985 to today.Ratnagiri has been a historical and religious significance that make it an ideal destination to explore. The small yet religious town in Jajpur District of Odisha is known for a huge monastery that relates to Mahayana Sect along with famous kings like Ashoka and others from Gupta Dynasty. Apart from its strong historical backgroung, Ratnagiri is also known for the flow of main rivers of Odisha known as Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa.Udayagiri, an Orissa Buddhist complex to form Pushpagiri University along with udayagiri and Lalitgiri, and bears a number of significant stupas and monasteries (viharas). Udayagiri was referred as ‘Madhavapura Mahavihara’ in the history, as per the epigraphical artifact found in the region. A number of excavations have been conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1958, which is still in continuity. The large excavation done 1997 to 2000 discovered the Udayagiri-2, the second part of Udayagiri. Several additional stupas and monasteries have been excavated here by ASI.

Nagarjunakhonda

Nagarjunakhonda also known as Nagarjuna hills is located near the Nagarjunasagar reservoir. It is around 150 kms away from Hyderabad. It is one of the oldest city known as research shows that civilisation existed there over 1800 years ago. It is named after the famous monk Nagarjuna who is also said to be born in this place.

Pithalkora Caves

The Pitalkhora Caves comprise of rock-cut 14 cave monuments situated in the Satamala Range in Aurangabad. These caves are cut out of various types of basalt rock and some of the caves have deteriorated. Out of the 14 rock-cut caves four of them are chaityas and the rest are viharas. The caves are divided into two groups. One group comprises of ten caves and the second group of four caves. The complex flaunts statues of soldiers, elephants, a deteriorated Gaja Lakshmi icon and a very old harvesting system of rain water. The site of the caves is at a distance of 40 km from the Ellora Caves. The caves can be reached by a flight of concrete steps, past a beautiful cascade of waterfall located beside the caves. The complex even houses unusual sculptures, such as the Yaksa figures. The complex comprises of a chaitya hall, cluster of viharas, small caves in the gorge consisting of stupas.

Rajkot

East of Chandi Chowk in Jamnagar is Rajkot, located on the banks of River Aji and Nirari, is a relatively young kingdom carved out of territories seeded and captured by the Jamnagar Royal Family in 1620 AD. It is the centre of Saurashtra and a mushrooming industrial hub with wide streets and a distinctly urban architecture. The city is a curious blend of the modern layered over the traditional and it is this uniqueness that attracts people from various parts of the country.The roots of the Indian Freedom Struggle are firmly enmeshed within the foundation of the city. Mahatma Gandhi spent his formative years, growing up in Rajkot when his father Karamchand Gandhi was appointed the Diwan of Rajkot. There is a semi-circular area outside where former Maharajas of Nawanagar once gathered and held public audience.

Sana Caves

These caves are located in the precincts of the Sana Hill in Amreli district of Gujarat, which is located 25 km north-east of Una. It is a group of 62 Buddhist rock shelters carved out of soft rock and scattered at different levels. The most interesting group has ornate carvings and stupas, rock cut pillows, benches and chaityas. Some caves also have a dome and pillared hall. Experts believe that these are among the few earliest caves of Western India dating from 2nd century BC. The largest cave, Cave 2 is approximately 21 meters in depth and has a width of 18.3 meters. The layout of Cave 48 is very different from the rest as it contains two halls of different dimensions, benches around their perimeter. The caves are distinctive in nature and are marked by their austere and simplistic designs and are marked by their austere and simplistic designs.It is at a distance of 76 kms from Junagadh

Sanchi

The town of Sanchi is synonymous with Buddhist Stupas - hemispherical structures typically containing relics of the Buddha or his followers. The Stupas of Sanchi were constructed on the orders of Emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread the Buddhist philosophy. Sanchi has been protecting these beautiful and sacred architectural wonders, just the way these wonders have been safeguarding ancient history and art of the Mauryan period.The numerous stupas, temples, monasteries and an Ashokan pillar have been the focus of interest and awe for global audiences as well. In fact, UNESCO has given the status of 'World Heritage Site' to the Mahastupa.A visit to Sanchi will bring alive the awe you felt as a child as you listened to the tales of Ashoka.

Sannati

Sannati is a small village situated on the shores of the Bhima River in Chitapur Taluk. The Chandrala Parameshwari Temple, located in the village, is popular among tourists. Many excavations have been done by the Archaeological Survey of India, here. Various sculptures, tablets and terracotta items have been found in the excavation. This place is famous for the discovery of an ancient Buddhist Mahastupa. The Karnataka Government strives to establish the village as an International Buddhist Centre.

Siyot Caves

Siyot caves in Lakhpat, about 125 km from Bhuj, are believed to belong to the first century AD. These consist of an east facing Sanctum and an Ambulatory which reveal that this place had a very strong Buddhist link. Excavations here have recovered clay seals engraved with Buddha images in various mudras and seals engraved with late Brahmi and Devnagari inscriptions.

Thotlakonda

Around 16 km from Vishakhapatnam is the Thotlakonda, a Buddhist complex situated on the top of a hill. The site spreads over an area of 120 acres and has been declared a protected monument by the government Andhra Pradesh. Excavations here include a Mahastupa, 16 votive stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, 11 rock-cut cisterns, well-paved stone path ways, an apsidal chaitya-griha, 3 circular chaitgya-grihas, two votive platforms, 10 viharas, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dining hall).

Undavalli Caves

The Undavalli Caves date back to the 7th century BC and are prime example of rock-cut architecture. The caves are about 8 kilometres from Vijayawada and offer a unique perspective into ancient religious practices. The caves are carved out of sandstone on the side of a hill. While there are many caves, the largest is the one that is most popular for its huge monolith of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture. The main cave is a prime example of Gupta architecture style, which concentrated on primitive rock-cut monastery cells.

Uparkot Fort

The oldest part of Junagadh, and the center of any visit to the city, is the upper citadel, known as Uparkot. The fort was built by Chandragupta of the Mauryan empire around 320 BC, and archaeological evidence confirms this, showing that Uparkot had been inhabited continuously since the 3rd century BC. The entrance to the Fort consists of three gateways, one inside the other. Just inside the entrance are the insignia of some of Uparkot’s former rulers and temples to Ganesh, Hanuman and Shakti. Closeby are two medieval cannons forged in Cairo The Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo stepwells inside Uparkot, are unusual forms of stepwells, since no structural construction was done and the whole structure of the well was hewn out of a single stone. Within the Fort is a complex of Buddhist caves, believed to belong to the 1st-4th Century AD. Other monuments in the Fort include the Jami Masjid.

Uraiyur

Buddhism was popular in the region in modern-day Tamil Nadu around the 3rd century BCE during the rule of Asoka. One such location is Uraiyur which is near Tiruchirapalli. The city was the capital of the early Cholas, who were one of the three main kingdoms of the ancient Tamil country. Uraiyur was an active Buddhist center during the advent of Buddhism in south.

Vadnagar

Vadnagar is mentioned in the Puranas and even in the travelogue of the great Chinese traveler, Xuanzang (7th century), as a rich and flourishing town. Excavations have brought to light a Buddhist Monastery belonging to the 2nd-7th century AD, within the fortified area of Vadnagar. The monastery had two votive stupas and an open central court yard around which initially nine cells were constructed. The arrangement of cells around the central courtyard creates a swastika-like pattern.

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