Nasik Caves, Ancient cave monastery in Nashik district, India
Nasik Caves is a rock-cut monastery in Nashik district, India, composed of twenty-four Buddhist caves at 3,004 feet (916 meters) elevation. The chambers spread across multiple levels and include prayer halls with decorated pillars, meditation rooms, and sleeping quarters for monks.
The monastery was created in the second century before Christ and received support from local merchants and Jain kings who promoted Buddhism. A later dedication was inscribed in Cave 19 between 100 and 70 BCE, documenting donations under King Kanha.
The caves bear the name from the dedication of Krishna vihara and display inscriptions celebrating the victories of King Gautamiputra Satakarni on their walls. Visitors can still read these records today, showing how royal families supported the daily life of monks in the complex.
The caves are accessible throughout the year, but reaching them requires climbing steep stone steps. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring enough water, especially during the warm months.
Cave 19 preserves the oldest known inscription from the Satavahana dynasty, dated between 100 and 70 BCE. The text names King Kanha and documents contributions from local patrons to build and maintain the monastery.
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