Which of the following caves are famous for its high citadel?

Correct option is A

Correct Ans is (A) Junagadh caves.

Explanation:

• The Junagadh caves are famous for their high citadel, located in Junagadh, Gujarat.
•   These caves are rock-cut Buddhist caves and include a fortified structure known as the Uperkot Fort, which has a high citadel offering strategic views and used for defensive purposes.

Information Booster:

•  Cave Complex: There are several rock-cut caves, most of which are Buddhist caves. Some caves have inscriptions in Brahmi script, which provides insights into the era.
•   Monastic Cells: The caves served as monastic residences (viharas) and meditation halls (chaityas) for Buddhist monks.
•    Inscriptions: The caves are famous for their Brahmi inscriptions, some of which mention donations made by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his reign, indicating the presence of Buddhist followers in the region.

Additional Information:

Ellora Caves:

• Location: The Ellora Caves are located in Maharashtra, near the town of Aurangabad.
• Time Period: These caves were constructed between the 5th and 10th centuries CE.
• Religions: The Ellora Caves feature caves dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. There are a total of 34 caves in the complex.
• Notable Cave: The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is a famous monolithic structure, carved from a single rock, and is considered one of the largest monolithic rock-cut temples in the world.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Ellora Caves are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their architectural and cultural significance.

Sudama Caves:

• Location: The Sudama Caves are located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, near the city of Nashik.
• Religious Significance: These caves are believed to have been the place where Sudama, a friend of Lord Krishna, meditated. It is associated with the Hindu religious stories of Krishna.
• Features: The caves have simple carvings and inscriptions, which are mostly Buddhist in nature, with some Hindu influences.
• Fewer Caves: There are fewer caves at Sudama compared to the other famous cave complexes in India.

Bagh Caves:

• Location: The Bagh Caves are located in the Madhya Pradesh region of India, near the town of Bagh in the Vindhya Range.
• Time Period: The caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries CE, predominantly during the Gupta period.
• Religious Significance: The caves are primarily Buddhist, with a few caves containing Hindu carvings.
• Notable Features: The Bagh Caves are famous for their beautiful frescoes (paintings) that cover the walls of the caves. These paintings depict Buddhist themes and are considered some of the finest examples of early Indian mural art.
• Condition: The caves are less visited compared to other famous cave complexes but are highly regarded for their artistic value.