The Caves of Kondana: A Story Carved in Stone

By Shariq Ali
Valueversity

Nestled deep in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, the Kondana Caves are captivating monuments of early Buddhism. Carved in the 1st century BCE, these sixteen caves include a Chaitya hall (prayer hall) and residential Viharas. Inside the Chaitya stood stupas, while the ceiling was adorned with carvings resembling wooden beams—an architectural feature that sets these caves apart.

The caves can be reached after a short yet fascinating climb from the village of Kondane near Karjat. During the monsoon, a curtain of cascading waterfalls veils their entrances, making it seem as though nature itself is hiding these ancient monasteries.

Inscriptions in Brahmi script have been discovered here, recording the names of donors. One well-known inscription mentions a monk named Balk, a disciple of his teacher Kanha. Modern research has uncovered additional writings that shed light on the religious and social context of that era.

Although an earthquake in the early 20th century damaged the floors, facades, and several stupas, the surviving pillars, horseshoe-shaped arches, and stone-carved sleeping platforms remain striking.

The architectural design of Kondana closely resembles that of the nearby Bhaja and Karla caves, reflecting the traditions of early Buddhist monastic life.

These caves are not merely historical sites—they are living narratives. They show how a single mountain was carved into a world of worship, residence, and art. Amid lush forests and roaring waterfalls, the two-thousand-year-old silence of Kondana still speaks its own language.