The Sittanavasal Caves are a group of Hindu and Jain rock-cut cave temples located in the Sittanavasal village in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. The caves are dated to the Pallava period (6th-9th centuries CE) and are notable for their intricate carvings and sculptures.
The Sittanavasal Caves are located on the banks of the River Vaigai, about 100 kilometers from Madurai. The caves are spread over a hillock and are numbered from 1 to 12. The caves are all rock-cut and are mostly square or rectangular in shape. The entrances to the caves are decorated with elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses.
The caves are divided into two groups: Hindu caves and Jain caves. The Hindu caves are numbered from 1 to 6 and the Jain caves are numbered from 7 to 12. The Hindu caves are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and the Jain caves are dedicated to the Jain tirthankaras.
The caves are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu and Jain mythology. The sculptures depict the Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as the Jain tirthankaras.
The Sittanavasal Caves are an important example of Pallava art and architecture. The caves are a popular tourist destination and are a must-see for anyone interested in Indian art and architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Sittanavasal Caves?
The Sittanavasal Caves are a group of Hindu and Jain rock-cut cave temples located in the Sittanavasal village in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. The caves are dated to the Pallava period (6th-9th centuries CE) and are notable for their intricate carvings and sculptures.
2. Where are the Sittanavasal Caves located?
The Sittanavasal Caves are located on the banks of the River Vaigai, about 100 kilometers from Madurai. The caves are spread over a hillock and are numbered from 1 to 12.
3. What are the caves divided into?
The caves are divided into two groups: Hindu caves and Jain caves. The Hindu caves are numbered from 1 to 6 and the Jain caves are numbered from 7 to 12.
4. What are the caves dedicated to?
The Hindu caves are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and the Jain caves are dedicated to the Jain tirthankaras.
5. What are the caves decorated with?
The caves are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu and Jain mythology. The sculptures depict the Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as the Jain tirthankaras.
6. What are the caves a popular tourist destination for?
The Sittanavasal Caves are an important example of Pallava art and architecture. The caves are a popular tourist destination and are a must-see for anyone interested in Indian art and architecture.
MCQs
- The Sittanavasal Caves are located in:
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Kerala
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh - The Sittanavasal Caves are dated to the:
(a) Pallava period
(b) Chola period
(c) Pandya period
(d) Vijayanagara period - The Sittanavasal Caves are divided into:
(a) Hindu caves and Jain caves
(b) Buddhist caves and Jain caves
(c) Hindu caves and Christian caves
(d) Buddhist caves and Christian caves - The Hindu caves are dedicated to:
(a) The Hindu god Shiva
(b) The Hindu god Vishnu
(c) The Hindu god Brahma
(d) The Hindu god Ganesha - The Jain caves are dedicated to:
(a) The Jain tirthankaras
(b) The Jain saints
(c) The Jain teachers
(d) The Jain scholars - The Sittanavasal Caves are a popular tourist destination for:
(a) Their intricate carvings and sculptures
(b) Their beautiful architecture
(c) Their historical significance
(d) All of the above