Ancient Caves of Bandhavgarh

There are 39 caves in the bandhavgarh forts hill and in surrounding hillocks of about 5 kms.The oldest caves appear to be as ancient as the first century A.D.

Serveral caves carry inscription in brshmi scrript. some caves also have emboosed figures such as those of tiger,pig, elephent and horsemen. Badi gufa, the largest of the caves with a broad entrance, has nine small rooms and several pillars. It has been dated back to the 10th century AD. it is spacious and has adequate vertical room for a person of average height to stand and walk. It is visible from the fort, which porbably signifies its strategic location. The cave appears to be primitive , lacking the elaborate statues and carvings seen in the caves of the buddhist period. Its purpose remains a mystery, although initially it could have been used by monks for spiritual pursuits and later by the army for strategic purposes. At present, most of the caves are beging used by wildlife - bats to tigers.