© Sakaal TimesAn ancient cave found in Raigad district during exploration by the Deccan College, Pune
The caves were found during exploration around and study of the 60 caves at Thanale and Nenawali in Raigad district.
The caves were built approximately between second century BC and second century AD, according to experts.
Ganveer said, "Two caves at Dhondse are located in a dense forest, and so they have been spared the effects of the destructive ways of human beings and the nature. One of them is a 'vihar' type of cave used as a place of worship as well as residence. The other is an incomplete 'chaitya-griha,' which is a big prayer hall with a 'stoopa' within or close to it."
The caves show an uncanny resemblance to the group of caves at Junnar.
The newly-found caves find no mention in the work of British archaeologists James Burgess and Henry Cazins, nor have they been recorded in the annual survey reports (from 1947 to 2008) of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The new caves do not have any type of ornamental effects. Nor do they have any inscriptions.
The chaitya griha-type cave shows that the work had just begun to carve out a 'stoopa.' It also has a section for Buddhist monks.
The 'vihar' type cave has seats carved on both sides.
On the way to Thanale caves, ten steps have been carved into the rock. These were probably used by pilgrims, traders and monks 2,000 years ago.
There are two water tanks near the steps, which would prove vital to travellers.
The exploration was carried out under the guidance of the joint director of the Deccan College Dr Vasant Shinde.
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