KANHERI CAVES | IAS GYAN

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Context: G20 delegates visit Kanheri Caves in National Park

About Kanheri Caves:

The topography of the Western Ghatsalong with the political patronage suited to the development of Buddhist Caves in many of the hills, ravines and cliffs of the Sahayadris.
The earliest example of excellent rock-cut architecture in the Western Ghats are Kanheri (Krishnagiri originally) Caves (109 in number) which are located north of Borivali in Mumbaiwithin the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The earliest caves were excavated in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. These caves were continuously occupied by the Buddhist monksas well as inland traders as stopovers till the 7th century AD.
With the increase in the royal patronage and mercantile sponsorships, the interiors of these caves were made more and more decorated.
At Kanheri, we find both the Chaityas and Viharas. While creating them, the elements of wooden constructionhave been retained.