Jogimara and Sitabenga caves, Chhattisgarh, Rock-cut caves in Ramgarh Hills, India
Jogimara and Sitabenga caves are rock-cut excavations in the Ramgarh Hills with both natural and carved chambers. A main chamber spanning about 46 by 24 feet contains stone benches and shows careful shaping of the rock by human hands.
These caves date to the 3rd to 2nd century BCE and contain inscriptions in Brahmi script written in the Magadhi language. This early writing and the architectural design point to active use during the Mauryan period.
The walls display early frescoes and inscriptions recording interactions between a female dancer and a male sculptor-painter. These depictions reveal personal relationships and artistic work that took place in these spaces in ancient times.
The caves lie about 45 kilometers from Ambikapur and are reached by following a marked trail through the Ramgarh Hills near the Ram Janaki temple. Sturdy footwear and water are advisable since the path involves rocky terrain.
Sitabenga cave contains carved designs and cut-outs suggesting it served as one of Asia's earliest performance theaters. Scholars believe the quality and arrangement of these carvings optimized the experience for audiences gathered in a single space.
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