Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups are the Buddhist caves mirroring the art and architecture of early era in Indian monarchical history. These caves were carved from 1st to 4th Century AD. Buddhist Caves in Junagadh are situated at 21 degree 30 minutes north to longitude 70 degree and 28 minutes east. The cave groups in Junagadh district comprise of several caves with Buddhist sculpture worked out in different groups in different time period. Some of the caves of Junagadh are Baba Pyare Caves, Khapra Kodiya Caves and Uperkot Caves.
Baba Pyare Caves
Baba Pyare Caves is located in Junagadh district of Gujarat. This group of Buddhist caves is situated near Modhimath called Baba Pyare. Baba Pyare Caves were constructed during the Satavahana regime in 1st - 2nd century A.D. According to the Xuanzang`s travelling account, (a Chinese traveller in early period of Hindu kingdoms) they were constructed in 1st century A.D. The northern part of Baba Pyare Caves contains four caves. The south eastern group of Baba Pyare Caves has "Chaitya" and spacious court for meditation and for purposes. This group of caves has 13 caves modelled in three floors, carved in 45 meters that is 150 feet long. Baba Pyare Caves is influenced by Buddhist architecture, which allures the tourists of modern times also.
Khapra Kodiya Caves
Khapra Kodiya Caves are also known as Khangar Mahal. This cave does not have any symbolic influence over it. They are carved out in an east-west longitudinal ridge. These caves are small in area. But, it has unique architecture of the water tanks design on western side and `L` shaped residence.
The caves of Khapra Kodiya Caves were carved in 3rd - 4th century A.D. The caves were used by Bhikkus or the Buddhist monks during the Vassa period. The dwellings were carved during the Ashoka`s rule and are the oldest in Junagadh district of Gujarat. The dwellings had a water leakage problem after many years of stay so they had to leave the caves. From that time, the caves of Khapra Kodiya become deserted cave. According to few studies, these bhikkus or Buddhist monks went to Maharashtra for carving other similar Buddhist caves.
Uperkot Caves
The Buddhist Caves of Uparkot, have been constructed in order to be utilized as dwelling place for the monks and have been carved out of stone. These quarters of monks are over 2000 years of age. It is believed that the most ancient of these Buddhist caves belong to the period around 3rd to the 4th century A.D. and are the simplest of all the caves, located on the border of the Sudarshan Lake (which is no longer existent) and the northern portion of the region of Uparkot. The interior chambers of the Buddhist Caves are subdivided into east-west crest. Buddhist Caves of Uparkot have influence of architecture of Satvahana times. Buddhist Caves of Uparkot has the combination of Graeco- Scythian style of sculptural design. The cave groups of Uparkot is in three tiers, with all members of each galleries shown in semi-relief, but only two storeys having regular floors. The upper floor of Buddhist Caves of Uparkot has a deep tank, covered on three sides with verandahs and "Kakshasana" on west and north- west side. The lower floor of Uperkot caves has with corridor and pillars. The lower floor has exquisitely carved pillars whose base, shaft and capital carry unique decorative design. These caves of Uperkot (Buddhist Caves of Uparkot) have alluring columns, entry gates, and water tanks. Moreover, the Chatiya and its horseshoe shaped windows and meditation cell. Buddhist Caves of Uparkot has 300 ft deep canal which is now serving as the crocodile dwelling site.
