On the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima, the Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) inaugurated the Kanheri Caves.
The Indian Oil Foundation is providing Tourist Infrastructure Facilities at Kanheri caves after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) through the National Culture Fund (NCF).
About Kanheri Caves
The topography of the Western Ghats along 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 Mumbai within 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 monks as 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 construction have been retained.
