Major caves of Maharashtra
Maharashtra holds some of the most spectacular rock-cut caves in the world, serving as a key study area for ancient history, art, and architecture in competitive exams like MPSC Rajyaseva, Combine (PSI/STI/ASO), Talathi, and Police Bharti. Understanding the dynasties (Satavahana, Vakataka, Rashtrakuta), religious affiliations (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain), architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage status of these caves is crucial for securing top marks. Tap any cave marker on the map to explore detailed facts, read previous questions, or test your knowledge in the practice quiz mode.
Tap a cave marker on the map or select from the list below.
Quick revision cards for exams
Ajanta Caves (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) consist of 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves famous for fresco paintings depicting Jataka tales. Discovered in 1819 by John Smith.
Ellora Caves feature the world's largest monolithic rock-cut structure, the Kailash Temple (Cave 16), commissioned by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I.
Elephanta Caves on Gharapuri Island are famous for the 20-foot tall monolithic bust of Trimurti Sadashiva (Creator, Preserver, Destroyer).
Karla Caves near Lonavala house the largest Hinayana Chaityagriha (prayer hall) in India, featuring 2000-year-old teak wood arches and Ekvira Devi temple.
Kanheri Caves (Mumbai Suburban) consist of 109 caves carved out of a single hill, functioning as a major ancient Buddhist university and monastic center.
Pandavleni Caves in Nashik contain the famous Nashik Prasasti inscription by Gautami Balasri detailing the victories of Satavahana Emperor Gautamiputra Satakarni.
Caves at a glance
| Cave name | District | Taluka | Cave type | Century | Dynasty | UNESCO / Status | Famous for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajanta Caves | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Soegaon | Buddhist | 2nd Century BCE – 6th Century CE | Satavahana and Vakataka | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983) | Ancient Buddhist fresco paintings and rock-cut sculptures |
| Ellora Caves | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Khuldabad | Mixed | 6th Century CE – 10th Century CE | Rashtrakuta, Yadava, Kalachuri | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983) | Kailash Temple (Cave 16) - Largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world |
| Elephanta Caves | Raigad | Uran | Hindu | 5th Century CE – 7th Century CE | Kalachuri and Konkan Mauryas | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) | Trimurti Sadashiva monolithic bust sculpture |
| Karla Caves | Pune | Maval | Buddhist | 2nd Century BCE – 5th Century CE | Satavahana and Western Kshatrapas | Protected Monument (ASI) | Largest Hinayana Buddhist Chaityagriha (prayer hall) in India with intact wooden arches |
| Kanheri Caves | Mumbai Suburban | Borivali | Buddhist | 1st Century BCE – 10th Century CE | Satavahana, Maurya, Silahara, Rashtrakuta | Protected Monument (ASI) | Over 109 rock-cut Buddhist caves showing continuous execution for 1,000 years |
| Bhaja Caves | Pune | Maval | Buddhist | 2nd Century BCE – 2nd Century CE | Satavahana | Protected Monument (ASI) | Early Hinayana wooden architecture prototypes and Surya-Indra relief carvings |
| Bedse Caves | Pune | Maval | Buddhist | 1st Century BCE | Satavahana | Protected Monument (ASI) | Magnificent entrance pillars with animal capitals and clean execution |
| Pitalkhora Caves | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Kannad | Buddhist | 3rd Century BCE – 4th Century CE | Satavahana | Protected Monument (ASI) | Oldest rock-cut caves in Western India, famous for dwarf (Yaksha) sculptures and elephant row bases |
| Pandavleni Caves | Nashik | Nashik | Buddhist | 1st Century BCE – 3rd Century CE | Satavahana and Western Kshatrapas | Protected Monument (ASI) | Inscriptions recording Gautami Balasri and Satavahana victories over Kshatrapas |
| Aurangabad Caves | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Aurangabad | Buddhist | 6th Century CE – 8th Century CE | Kalachuri, Vakataka, Chalukya | Protected Monument (ASI) | Beautiful sculptures of female deities, dancing panels, and transition art |
| Junnar Caves | Pune | Junnar | Buddhist | 2nd Century BCE – 3rd Century CE | Satavahana and Western Kshatrapas | Protected Monument (ASI) | Largest cave complex in India with over 200 caves spread across four hills; Cave 7 at Lenyadri is an Ashtavinayak Temple |
| Kondana Caves | Raigad | Karjat | Buddhist | 1st Century BCE | Satavahana | Protected Monument (ASI) | Beautifully carved wooden prototype frontage, severely damaged in a 1900s earthquake |
| Mahakali Caves | Mumbai Suburban | Andheri | Buddhist | 1st Century BCE – 6th Century CE | Satavahana | Protected Monument (ASI) | 19 rock-cut Buddhist caves in Mumbai Suburban, Cave 9 stupa chamber with carved screen window |
| Shivneri Caves | Pune | Junnar | Buddhist | 1st Century CE – 3rd Century CE | Satavahana and Western Kshatrapas | Protected Monument (ASI) | 64 rock-cut caves surrounding the birth fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, flat-roofed Chaitya |
| Nasik Caves | Nashik | Nashik | Jain | 11th Century CE – 12th Century CE | Yadava | Protected Monument (ASI) | Important Jain rock-cut caves dedicated to Tirthankaras, located on Chamar Leni hill |
The map above is a simplified educational schematic. Location coordinates, alignments, and boundaries are approximate representations for study purposes.