Kanheri Caves - Part 10

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This is the tenth installment in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In earlier articles, I explored Cave No. 1 and Cave No. 2 in detail. In the previous article, I introduced Cave No. 3, highlighting its entrance and the accompanying sculptures. Now, let us step inside to uncover its interior marvels.

Cave No. 3 was excavated by two merchant brothers, Gajasena and Gajamita, during the reign of Yajnashri Satkarni, a Satavahana ruler from the late 2nd century CE. The cave features a well-crafted forecourt with a flight of steps leading to a rectangular verandah and an apsidal Chaitya at the rear. Two massive pillars, emerging from the side walls, dominate the entrance.



In this article, I will focus on these impressive pillars.

The kumbha (base) forms the foundation of the pillars. Here, the base is adorned with intricate reliefs, including miniature aediculae (shrine-like motifs) and figurative depictions, representing religious or narrative themes. The stambha, or shaft, is the elongated central portion of the pillar, transitioning between square and cylindrical shapes. Despite its simplicity, the shaft shows evidence of age-related wear. 

A cushion-like feature interrupts the center of the shaft in the southern pillar alone, thus partitioning it into two. There is a cushion on the top in both the pillars. 

The transition from the shaft to the capital is marked by kapota moldings, which serve as both structural and decorative elements. The capitals are particularly fascinating: the northern pillar is crowned with four dwarf figures supporting a circular object, while the southern pillar features four seated lions.

In the next article, I will delve into other sections of the chaitya and their artistic significance. Stay tuned!

Happy travelling!



This is Part 10 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

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9


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

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