Shivneri Caves, Buddhist rock-cut caves near Junnar, India.
Shivneri Caves contain roughly 60 chambers carved into a hillside, featuring meditation halls, living quarters, and water storage systems. The complex spreads across different sections of the hill and reveals the layout of an ancient monastic community.
During the 1st century, this complex functioned as a Buddhist monastery and sat on a major trade route between Paithan and Arabian ports. Its position enabled contact with merchants from various regions.
The caves bear inscriptions from Yavana donors, showing how Greek merchants and Buddhist communities interacted in the ancient region. These encounters reveal the cosmopolitan nature of the trade networks that shaped this settlement.
The site spreads across several areas of the hill, so expect longer walks between sections. Good footwear and water are essential, as the terrain is uneven and shade is limited.
One chamber here displays rare ceiling paintings with concentric circles in orange, brown, and white. These artistic remains offer insight into the decorative techniques used in ancient monastic centers.
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