[Solved] Kanheri Caves: Over 100 Buddhist Caves in Mumbai

Which centre consists of more than 100 Buddha caves?

[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Large rock-cut monastic complexes served as major residential universities and spiritual retreats for the Buddhist Sangha along western Indian trade routes.

Authentic Source Evidence

Located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, the Kanheri complex consists of 109 rock-cut caves. They were excavated between the 1st century BCE and the 11th century CE, making it one of the largest and longest-occupied Buddhist sites in India.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: While Ajanta has 29 and Karley is famous for a single large chaitya, Kanheri stands out for its sheer quantity (109 caves).

Logic 2: The site contains diverse structures including residential cells (viharas), prayer halls (chaityas), and advanced water harvesting systems.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Kanheri have so many caves?"

It was a major educational and residential hub for monks, situated on an ancient trade route connecting ports like Sopara and Kalyan.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Kanheri is a record of the continuity of Buddhism in India, showing evolution from Hinayana to Mahayana and Vajrayana over a millennium."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sanjay Gandhi National Park 2 Basalt Rock 4