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Bhaja Caves or Bhaje caves (Marathi: भाजा) is a group of 22〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_maha_bhajacaves.asp )〕 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in Pune, near Lonavala, Maharashtra. The caves are 400 feet above the village of Bhaja,〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Poona/PART%20VI/Chap%20(20)/Places%20Of%20Interest.htm )〕 on an important ancient trade route running from the Arabian Sea eastward into the Deccan Plateau (the division between North India and South India).〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Later Andhra Period India )〕 The inscriptions and the cave temple are protected as a National Monument, by the Archaeological Survey of India per Notification No. 2407-A. It belongs to the Hinayana Buddhism sect in Maharashtra.〔 The caves have a number of stupas, one of their significant features. The most prominent excavation is its ''chaityagrha'' (Cave XII), demonstrating prototypes of wooden architecture and a vaulted horseshoe ceiling. Its vihara (Cave XVIII) has a pillared verandah in front and is adorned with unique reliefs. These caves are notable for their indications of the awareness of wooden architecture.〔 The carvings prove that tabla – a percussion instrument – was used in India for at least two thousand years. The carving shows a woman playing tabla and another woman, performing dance. ==Architecture== The Bhaja Caves share architectural design with the Karla Caves. The most impressive monument is the large shrine — chaityagriha — with an open, horseshoe-arched entrance; according to the Archaeological Survey of India, the chaityagrha is the most prominent aspect of the caves, and one of the earliest of the type.〔 The chaitrya has unique reliefs from Indian mythology. Other caves have a nave and aisle, with an apse containing a solid tupa and the aisle circling round the apse, providing the circumambulation path. Chaitygraha has some Buddha images. A cistern inscription shows the name of a donor, ''Maharathi Kosikiputa Vihnudata'', from the 2nd century AD. A wooden beam records two more inscriptions datable to 2nd century B.C., which indicates caves have been there for at least 2200 years.〔 Eight inscriptions are found in the caves, some giving the name of the donors.〔 The sculptures feature elaborate headdress, garlands, and jewellery; they might have originally been painted in bright colors but later covered with plaster. Characteristic for early Buddhism, initially the caves had symbolic Buddha representation. After 4 A.D. Buddha was painted in physical form as well. Near the last cave is a waterfall which, during the monsoon season, has water that falls into a small pool at the bottom.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.indiatravelite.com/feature/bhajakarlacaves.htm )〕 These caves also provide important proof regarding the history of the Tabla, an Indian percussion instrument, since carvings from 200 BCE show a woman playing tabla and another performing a dance. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Bhaja Caves」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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