The History of Khandagiri Udayagiri Hills | Odisha Tourist Places.
Khandagiri and Udayagiri are two significant historical and archaeological sites located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. These twin hills are famous for their ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 1st century BCE, during the reign of the Kalinga King Kharavela.
Udayagiri Hills
Name: Udayagiri means "Sunrise Hill"
Significance: It contains 18 caves, the most famous being the Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave), which is a large, double-storied cave with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The caves here were primarily used as residential quarters for Jain monks.
History: The caves were excavated during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. The inscriptions found in Udayagiri provide valuable insights into the life and times of King Kharavela and his patronage of Jainism.
Khandagiri Hills
Name: Khandagiri means "Broken Hill"
Significance: Khandagiri has 15 caves, many of which are ornately decorated with carvings and sculptures. The most notable cave is the Ananta Gumpha, known for its detailed carvings of elephants and other figures.
History: Like Udayagiri, the caves of Khandagiri were also commissioned by King Kharavela. The caves were carved out for Jain monks, and the inscriptions here reflect the religious and cultural practices of the time.
Importance
The caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri are among the earliest examples of Jain rock-cut architecture in India. They also highlight the spread of Jainism in the region during the early historical period.
The inscriptions in the caves provide a rare glimpse into the political history of ancient Kalinga, including the achievements of King Kharavela and his interactions with other contemporary rulers.
These caves are now a popular tourist destination and are considered an important part of Odisha's cultural heritage.
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