Bhaja Caves Ancient Buddhist Heritage

The Bhaja Caves are believed to have been excavated during the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, a period characterized by its focus on individual enlightenment. The caves served as a monastic complex for Buddhist monks, providing them with a place to meditate, study, and live. The earliest excavations date back to the 2nd century BC, with later additions and modifications made over the following centuries. The inscriptions found within the caves provide valuable insights into the socio-economic and religious life of the time. The patronage of wealthy merchants and local rulers likely played a significant role in the construction and maintenance of the Bhaja Caves. Over time, as Buddhism declined in the region, the caves were abandoned and eventually rediscovered by historians and archaeologists.