A quick course in history and culture in ancient India. Rock cut caves: some elaborately decorated with sculptures, others decidedly plain. Built for the Jain ascetics, austere by design. An inscription next in importance only to Ashoka’s rock edicts when it comes to ancient Indian history. And an interesting structure on top of the hill: an apsidal structure, a Jain shrine, reiterating significance of this shape in religious architecture, pagan or otherwise.
Udayagiri Caves provide a glimpse of art and architecture in India some 2200 years ago and help understand the convergence and continuity across different faiths and geographies in these fields.
Damage done by nature over these years, given that the rocks are essentially sandstone, is immense and only a determined effort by the ASI can protect this monument of great value. Restoring the sculptures with protective pilasters should be the priority.
Reasonably maintained and inside the city; definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in Bhubaneshwar.
Udayagiri Caves provide a glimpse of art and architecture in India some 2200 years ago and help understand the convergence and continuity across different faiths and geographies in these fields.
Damage done by nature over these years, given that the rocks are essentially sandstone, is immense and only a determined effort by the ASI can protect this monument of great value. Restoring the sculptures with protective pilasters should be the priority.
Reasonably maintained and inside the city; definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in Bhubaneshwar.
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