Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Ancient Jain Rock-Cut Shelters

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, located on adjacent hills on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, represent one of the earliest examples of Jain rock-cut architecture in eastern India. These caves, dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE, were carved during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, primarily to serve as residential blocks for Jain monks. Originally, there were 117 caves, but only 33 remain today, with 18 in Udayagiri and 15 in Khandagiri. Udayagiri, meaning "Sunrise Hill," houses caves with fascinating carvings. The most significant is the Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave), a double-storied structure adorned with carvings of victorious scenes, religious symbols, and royal court depictions. Other notable caves include Ganesh Gumpha, featuring a Ganesha carving, and Hathi Gumpha, which contains the famous Hathigumpha inscription, a primary source of Kalinga's history under King Kharavela. Khandagiri, meaning "Broken Hill," features several Jain temples alongside its caves. Ananta Gumpha stands out with its serpent carvings on the door arches and depictions of women, children, athletes, and animals on its walls. The caves' architecture reflects Jain monastic life, with simple dwellings for meditation and religious practices. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the Udayagiri caves, recognizing their importance to India's cultural heritage. These caves offer a unique insight into ancient Indian art, architecture, and the Jain religion, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.