Ques: Recently, how many of ancient Buddhist caves were found by ASI team near Kanheri caves at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli (Mumbai)?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 7
Ans (d)
Related facts
- In January, 2016 Seven Buddhist caves have been discovered at forests of the sprawling Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli (Mumbai).
- The caves are Buddhist ‘viharas’ (residences for monks) with only one of them showing the remains of a ‘harmika’ (the top railing of a stupa).
- They are believed to have been constructed before the Kanheri Caves nearby and probably served as a monsoon shelter for the monks.
Legal issues
- While a formal approval from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is awaited for detailed exploration and documentation of the new caves, the team that has discovered the caves date them between 1st century BCE (or BC) and 5th-6th century CE (or AD).
- The discovery was made by a three-member team last February under an excavation programme jointly conducted by the Centre for Archaeology, Mumbai University, and the department of ancient Indian culture, Sathaye College, Vile Parle; the head of the department, Suraj Pandit, led the team.
- The discovery of five of the seven caves was done by a team in February 2015.
Kanheri Caves
- Kanheri (19°13’ N; 72°55’ E), the Kanhasela, Krishnagiri, Kanhagiri of ancient inscriptions, is located north of Mumbai, was a major Buddhist centre.
- The caves were excavated as early as mid 3rd century B.C. and were in occupation right up to 11th century A.D.
Reference