The Barabar Hills, located near Gaya, one of the holiest Buddhist sites of the world, are Buddhist caves; they echo the traditions of three religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The historical value of these monuments, however, lies in the architectural design in which they were constructed. Barabar Hills are the oldest examples of rock-cut structures in the world! All the carving and design work in these caves was done on a single piece of granite, making it a unique marvel of the ancient Mauryan Empire.
Four cave structures are included in the cluster of the Barabar Hills and three others are located 2Kms off at Nagarjuni Hills. Although they were all designed, carved, and constructed separately, since they roughly belong to the same time period, they are known as Satghar together. Most barabar caves are refined with a brand of polish unique to the time, the Mauryan polish as well. All of these caves also have a unique echo effect that makes tourists marvel at the fascinating design of the ancient Indian architecture.
Cave structures of Barabar Hills
- 1. Lomas Rishi Cave
The Grotto of Lomas Rishi or the Lomas Rishi cave features the distinguishing characteristic of Indian rock-cut structures- an ogee shaped arched entrance referred to as Chaitya Arch. The shape of this arch is similar to the thatch and wooden cottages of the monks. Located towards the southern end of the Barabar Hills, this cave includes two rooms, one rectangular assembly hall on the outside and a smaller room with a dome-shaped ceiling further within. Originally, the cave was given to the Ajivika Sect by Mauryan ruler, Ashoka, a religion as ancient as Jainism.
2. Sudama Cave
Located towards the leftern side of the Barabar Hills, Sudama Cave is believed to have been carved out first out of all the rock-cut structures at Barabar Hills. To visit the Sudama cave, one must go through a short entrance porch that is followed by a rectangular path. It features high polished interior granite walls, a circular vaulted room, and an arched roof.
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- 3. Vishwakarma Cave
The Vishwakarma cave, also known as Vishwamitra cave, includes two rooms as well. One of them, however, is open to the outside. The cave can be accessed through “Ashoka Steps” that lead to the interior. Although the cave lacks any Ashokan inscriptions, it was also offered to the Ajivika sect by Emperor Ashoka.
- 4. Karan Chaupar Cave
Located towards the northern side of the Barabar Hills, Karan Chaupar Hills feature inscriptions that describe the Buddhist practice of Vassavasa, or retreating during the monsoon season. There is only a single huge rectangular room in this cave with a solitary rock-cut seat placed towards its end. The surface of the walls is also highly polished and refined.
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