BARABAR CAVES

The Barabar Hill Caves are historically significant for several reasons. They are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating back to the Maurya Empire, specifically around the 3rd century BCE. These caves are located in the Makhdumpur region of Bihar, consisting of two groups: Barabar (four caves) and Nagarjuni (three caves).

1. Historical Significance and Inscriptions:
   • The caves feature inscriptions associated with “King Piyadasi” (Ashoka) for the Barabar group and “Devanampiya Dasaratha” (likely Ashoka’s grandson) for the Nagarjuni group. These inscriptions indicate their dedication to Ajivika ascetics during the Maurya period.
2. Architectural Features:
   • The caves are carved entirely from granite and exhibit a highly polished internal surface, known as the “Mauryan polish.” This level of craftsmanship is remarkable for its time and contributes to the acoustical properties of the caves, known for their echo effects.
   • The Lomas Rishi Cave is particularly notable for its arched facade, resembling contemporary wooden architecture. This design, featuring a row of elephants and stupa emblems along the architrave, became a significant motif in Indian rock-cut architecture.
3. Religious Significance:
   • The caves were initially dedicated to the Ajivika sect, a religious group contemporary to Buddhism and Jainism. Ashoka’s inscriptions at Sudama and Visvakarma caves reflect his association with Ajivikas early in his reign, before his full conversion to Buddhism.
   • Despite initial Ajivika affiliations, there’s speculation about Lomas Rishi’s dedication. While lacking an inscription, its architectural style influenced Buddhist cave architecture, suggesting a later Buddhist association.
4. Literary and Cultural Influence:
   • The caves gained literary fame through E.M. Forster’s novel “A Passage to India,” where they were fictionalized as the Marabar Caves, highlighting their mystique and cultural resonance.
   • They’ve also been referenced in Indian literature, such as in Christopher C. Doyle’s “The Mahabharata Secret,” reflecting their enduring cultural significance.

In essence, the Barabar Hill Caves represent a convergence of early Indian rock-cut architecture, historical inscriptions from the Maurya Empire, and the religious diversity of ancient India, making them invaluable cultural and historical treasures.

• Geographical Location: The Barabar Hill Caves are situated in the Makhdumpur region of the Jehanabad district in Bihar, India, about 24 km north of Gaya.
• Cave Groups: There are two main groups of caves:
  • Barabar Caves: Located in the Barabar Hills, this group consists of four caves: Lomas Rishi, Sudama, Karan Chaupar (or Karna Chaupar), and Visvakarma.
  • Nagarjuni Caves: Located in the nearby Nagarjuni Hills, this group consists of three caves.

Architectural Features:

• Construction Material: The caves are predominantly carved out of granite, which is known for its hardness and durability. The surfaces inside the caves were meticulously polished to achieve a smooth finish, known as the “Mauryan polish.”
• Lomas Rishi Cave: This cave is renowned for its unique architectural features:
  • Facade: The facade of Lomas Rishi Cave has an arched shape, mimicking contemporary wooden architecture. It is adorned with sculptural elements such as elephants and stupa emblems along the curved architrave.
  • Interior: The cave consists of two chambers—a rectangular room and a semi-hemispherical chamber—which are accessed through a narrow passage. The interior design and acoustic properties of the cave are notable.

Historical Significance:

• Maurya Empire: The caves date back to the Maurya period, around the 3rd century BCE. They were commissioned by Ashoka and possibly his grandson, Dasaratha Maurya.
• Inscriptions: The caves bear inscriptions dedicating them to “King Piyadasi” (Ashoka) for the Barabar group and “Devanampiya Dasaratha” for the Nagarjuni group. These inscriptions indicate their patronage and usage by Ajivika ascetics.
• Ajivika Sect: The Ajivikas were a sect of ascetics in ancient India, contemporaneous with Buddhism and Jainism. The caves were initially dedicated to them, reflecting the religious diversity and interactions of the time.

Cultural and Literary References:

• Literary Depictions: The caves gained literary fame through E.M. Forster’s novel “A Passage to India,” where they were fictionalized as the Marabar Caves. This novel contributed to their mystique and popular recognition.
• Indian Literature: They have also been referenced in Indian literature, such as Christopher C. Doyle’s “The Mahabharata Secret,” further cementing their cultural significance and inspiring creative interpretations.

Influence on Architecture:

• Development of Chaitya Arch: The architectural style of the caves, particularly the arched facade of Lomas Rishi Cave, influenced the development of the Chaitya arch in Indian rock-cut architecture. This style became a hallmark feature in later Buddhist cave constructions, such as those found in Ajanta and Karla Caves.

Preservation and Tourism:

• Current Status: The Barabar Hill Caves are protected archaeological sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Efforts are ongoing to preserve and maintain these ancient structures.
• Tourism: The caves attract tourists and historians interested in ancient Indian architecture, history, and religious developments. They offer insights into the early phases of rock-cut architecture and religious practices in India.