Kanheri Caves - Part 7

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This is the seventh article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the previous installments, I introduced the caves in general and then delved into the specifics of Cave No. 1. Adjacent to Cave No. 1, on its northern side, lies Cave No. 2—a significant west-facing excavation. This cave features a vihara and three stupas housed in separate chambers, giving them the appearance of detached chaityas.

So far, I’ve explored various aspects of Cave No. 2. In the third article, I discussed the first stupa, while the fourth covered the second stupa and the sculptures on the left wall of the third stupa. The fifth and sixth articles focused on the sculptures on the right and middle walls of the third stupa, respectively. In this installment, I will explore the inscriptions found in Cave No. 2.

Inscription 1

This inscription is located in the right corner of Cave No. 2, behind the large stupa. It is positioned partly on the left and partly beneath a standing Buddha figure, where nine individuals are depicted bowing near his feet in an "L" shape. The inscription comprises six short lines and one long line, although the middle section is heavily damaged.

  • Details: It records the names of nine individuals
  • Characters: Brahmi script, 6th century CE.
  • Language: Prakrit.
  • Content: The names recorded include Nanna (a physician), Bhanu, Bhaskara, Bharavi, Chelladeva, Boppai, Bhatta Vesu, Suvai (or Suvrati), and Pohoi. The inscription does not mention any donations but indicates that these individuals, likely from the southern region, were culturally refined and belonged to an elite class.


Inscription 2

The second inscription is on the back wall of Cave No. 2, above a long bench set against the wall. It is clearly carved and consists of two lines.

  • Details: It records the gift of a refectory named ‘Sata’ by Naganaka, an inhabitant of Nasik.
  • Characters: Brahmi script, early 2nd century CE.
  • Language: Prakrit.

Inscription 3

This inscription is located near a small tank inside Cave No. 2.

  • Details: It mentions a cistern donated by a goldsmith named Samidatta (or Swamidatta) of Kalyan, along with the community of ascetics and lay-brothers.
  • Characters: Brahmi script, 2nd century CE.
  • Language: Prakrit.

Inscription 4

The fourth inscription is situated in front of Cave No. 2, just above a cistern.

  • Details: It records the donation of a cistern by Punavasu, the son of a trader named Chita from Kalyan.
  • Characters: Brahmi script, 2nd century CE.
  • Language: Prakrit.

Let me continue with the remaining parts of Cave No. 2 in my next episode.

Happy travelling.

This is Part 7 of the series of articles on Kanheri Caves. If you are interested to read the earlier parts of the series, click the links below.


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Happy travelling.


Location: 6W53+4WV, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400101, India

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