Caving in to the past

Jul 21, 2012 - Age Correspondent

About 60 kms away from Pune, in Karli near Lonavala, lies a complex of ancient rock cut caves that were home to a flourishing community of Buddhist monks. Built into a rocky hillside (abodes carved into cliffs had the advantage of being cool in summer and warm in the winters), the oldest of these caves date back to 160 BC.

However, it is the main cave that occupies pride of place in the complex: With a soaring ceiling that has been worked with an intricately carved wooden chhatri and stately columns that run the length of the entire hall, it is an awe inducing sight indeed. As one peeks into the vaulted interiors of the many chaityas or viharas (monks’ dwellings) that dot the complex, it is impossible to be untouched by the wonder of Karla’s heritage.

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