Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are a group of 24 rock-cut caves located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The caves were built by the Kalinga kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 3rd century BCE. The caves are notable for their intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Buddhist Jataka tales.
History
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves were built by the Kalinga kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 3rd century BCE. The caves were originally used as a monastery for Jain monks. However, they were later converted into a Hindu temple complex.
The caves were rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists. Since then, they have been a popular tourist destination.
Architecture
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are a group of 24 rock-cut caves. The caves are located on two hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The caves are numbered from 1 to 24, with the caves on Udayagiri being numbered from 1 to 16 and the caves on Khandagiri being numbered from 17 to 24.
The caves are all rectangular in shape and are carved out of the sandstone cliffs. The caves are typically divided into two or three chambers. The main chamber is usually used as a shrine, while the other chambers are used as living quarters or storage rooms.
The caves are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Buddhist Jataka tales. The sculptures are of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as Jain tirthankaras.
Significance
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are an important archaeological site. The caves are a valuable source of information about the art, architecture, and religion of the Kalinga kingdom. The caves are also a popular tourist destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves?
A: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are a group of 24 rock-cut caves located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The caves were built by the Kalinga kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 3rd century BCE. The caves are notable for their intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Buddhist Jataka tales.
Q: Where are the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves located?
A: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The caves are located on two hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The caves are numbered from 1 to 24, with the caves on Udayagiri being numbered from 1 to 16 and the caves on Khandagiri being numbered from 17 to 24.
Q: What is the history of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves?
A: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves were built by the Kalinga kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 3rd century BCE. The caves were originally used as a monastery for Jain monks. However, they were later converted into a Hindu temple complex.
Q: What are the architectural features of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves?
A: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are a group of 24 rock-cut caves. The caves are located on two hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The caves are numbered from 1 to 24, with the caves on Udayagiri being numbered from 1 to 16 and the caves on Khandagiri being numbered from 17 to 24.
The caves are all rectangular in shape and are carved out of the sandstone cliffs. The caves are typically divided into two or three chambers. The main chamber is usually used as a shrine, while the other chambers are used as living quarters or storage rooms.
The caves are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Buddhist Jataka tales. The sculptures are of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as Jain tirthankaras.
Q: What is the significance of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves?
A: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are an important archaeological site. The caves are a valuable source of information about the art, architecture, and religion of the Kalinga kingdom. The caves are also a popular tourist destination.