In the Makhdumpur block of Bihar’s Jehanabad district, lie the Barabar Caves—among Bharat’s oldest surviving rock-cut caves. Dating back to the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), these caves also feature inscriptions from the Ashokan period. The Barabar Caves consist of four remarkable caves: Sudama, Karan Chaupar, Lomas Rishi, and Vishwa Zopri. Each cave has its unique characteristics. The Lomas Rishi Cave, for instance, is designed to resemble the huts once used by Buddhist monks, while the Sudama Cave features elegantly curved archways reminiscent of a bow.
Barabar caves: an architectural marvel
The Barabar Caves, located approximately 40 kilometres from Bodh Gaya, are among the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in the country. They date back to the Third century BCE during the Mauryan Empire. This ancient complex comprises four primary caves: Lomas Rishi, Sudama, Vishwakarma, and Karan Chaupar.
Historical Significance
Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, the Barabar Caves were initially dedicated to the Ajivika sect, a religious group that coexisted alongside Buddhism and Jainism. Over time, these caves also attracted Buddhists and later featured Hindu and Jain sculptures, reflecting the region’s diverse spiritual heritage.
Architectural Features
A remarkable aspect of the Barabar Caves is their intricate design and polished interiors. The Lomas Rishi Cave, for instance, is renowned for its arched entrance, which emulates the wooden and thatched huts traditionally used by monks. Inside, the cave is divided into two chambers: a spacious rectangular assembly hall and a smaller, oval-shaped room with a domed ceiling. The walls of these chambers are meticulously polished to a mirror-like finish, a testament to the advanced craftsmanship of the era.
Acoustic Properties
Visitors to the Barabar Caves often note the unique acoustic effects within the chambers. The smooth, curved surfaces of the interiors create an echo phenomenon, enhancing the auditory experience and adding to the caves’ mystique.
Related Sites
Approximately 2 kilometres from the Barabar Hills lie the Nagarjuni Hills, home to three additional caves. Together with the Barabar Caves, they are collectively referred to as ‘Satghar.’ Atop one of the highest peaks in the Barabar Hills stands the Baba Siddhnath Mandir, also known as the Shiva Mandir, believed to have been constructed during the Gupta Dynasty.
Influence on Later Architecture
The architectural innovations in the Barabar Caves, particularly the ogee-shaped Chaitya arches of the Lomas Rishi Cave, significantly influenced subsequent Buddhist rock-cut architecture. Elements of this design are evident in later structures, such as the Ajanta and Karla caves in Maharashtra.
Ancient History Researcher Jahannah James on Barabar caves
Ancient History Researcher Jahannah James in her talk (there are some minor discrepancies with the above-mentioned information) on Barabar Caves highlighted their significance and architectural features. She says the caves were cut out of natural granite in what is known as a Whale’s back shape as it resembles the back of a Whale. There are seven caves, of which five are complete, spread over two sites, namely Nagarjuni and Barabar caves.
It is even more astonishing that these caves were carved entirely of granite in one go. Although each cave is unique, specific geometrical formulas connect them. She states that sound frequency plays a massive role in all of them and they are connected and aligned to each other.
“Another super interesting thing is that the walls are not directly straight. They are all inclined just a little bit exactly match in mirror image from one side to the other,” says James. She further states that the French researchers who were filming the site were surprised by the geometrical precision of the Barabar caves. James says that a conservative estimate would put the time taken to build these structures at 12 to 15 years.
Six of the seven caves have trapezial doors. Unlike the ornate door frames ancient Bharat is known for, the door frames of these cave doors are plain. It is important to point out that the masons and architects had to get it right in the first shot and had no scope of making mistakes.
They constructed these caves with mathematical precision and ensured perfect alignment. Barabar caves are precisely flat and smooth. The polished finish in these caves is closer to the modern-day glass finish. These caves had great sound techniques that can be considered very advanced for that period.
Gopika cave – These are not just polished but have perfect curvature indicating the high level of masonry mastered by ancient Bharatiyas. Another important feature of these caves is that they are symmetrical.
Sudama cave – has two chambers with the first one being squarish. The passage leads to a second chamber that has a perfectly curved dome at the entrance. It is even more intriguing that the curved wall of the first chamber precisely follows the inner wall of the second chamber.
Vapiyaka cave – Features small inclined walls and inverted walls in the other way. They had a vaulted ceiling cut lengthwise with the right part superimposed on the left and vice-versa.
Vadathika cave – A semicircle and square formed the chamber in this cave. The vaulted ceiling was composed of three-centred arcs.
Karan Chaupar cave – The floor is a near-perfect rectangle with small inclined walls.
Lomas Rishi cave: According to James, the research team got stonemasonry experts to analyse the cave who opined that this cave was repurposed or reworked later. Therefore, the work here appears to be by a later stoneworker. This is one of the unfinished caves where the ceilings and floor are raw while the walls are polished. Vishwa Zopri is the other unfinished cave in the Barabar cave complex.
“In Indian history, there is nothing like the caves or temples around the time 250 BCE and there has been nothing like it since. Modern stone masons have no explanation as to how these structures were polished,” Jahannah James says.
Other rock-cut caves in Bharat
Listening to Jahannah James highlights the high level of stone artsmanship ancient Bharatiyas achieved. Barabar is just one example of Bharatiya rock-cut architecture. We have several similar beautiful rock-cut structures that attest to the amazing craftsmanship of our ancestors. Other notable sites include the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Kanheri Caves, and Elephanta Caves, each offering unique insights into Bharat’s rich cultural and religious history.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves: The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are among the most magnificent rock-cut cave complexes in Bharat. The Ajanta Caves, dating from the Second century BCE to the Sixth century CE, are renowned for their exquisite Buddhist frescoes, sculptures, and chaityas, depicting Jataka tales and scenes from the life of Bhagwan Buddha. The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a fusion of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves, with the grand Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) being a masterpiece of monolithic rock-cut architecture.
Kanheri Caves: Located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, the Kanheri Caves are an extensive network of over 100 Buddhist rock-cut caves dating from the First century BCE to the Tenth century CE. These caves served as a monastic centre, featuring viharas (monastic dwellings), chaityas (prayer halls), and intricate Buddhist sculptures. The caves also contain inscriptions and water cisterns, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of the period.
Elephanta Caves: Situated on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves house remarkable rock-cut temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, dating back to the Fifth–Seventh century CE. The centrepiece is the massive Trimurti sculpture, portraying Bhagwan Shiva in his three aspects—creator, preserver, and destroyer. These caves showcase the grandeur of Shaivite tradition and exhibit a blend of artistic and spiritual excellence, making them a significant heritage site.
Preserving and promoting historical treasures
Bharatiyas need to show more enterprise in preserving and promoting our historical monuments. We also need to tell historical stories from the right perspective. At present, we neither celebrate nor do enough to promote our historical treasures. It is not just the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) that has to preserve the monuments but also the local communities that must step up and take the responsibility of preserving them. While foreigners are researching and celebrating our ancient treasures, Bharatiyas are happily oblivious to them.
Preserving and promoting Bharat’s historical treasures requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening legal protections, ensuring proper maintenance, and preventing encroachments are crucial. Community participation and awareness programs can instil pride and responsibility. Leveraging technology for virtual tours and digital documentation can enhance accessibility. Promoting heritage tourism with sustainable practices will boost economic benefits while maintaining authenticity. Additionally, integrating Bharatiya history into educational curricula will foster a deeper connection among future generations.
(Featured Image Source: Rishikesh Day Tour Blog)
