Amongst
the most prominent tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh are the many
ancient caves of the state. Each of the caves in the state makes a mark
with its unique appeal. Bhimbetka Caves, located 46 km from the city of
Bhopal, are the most famous and even find enlistment as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. These rock shelters of Bhimbetka are famous for their
immaculate pictorial representations, which talk about lives of our
predecessors. On the other hand, there are the five caves of Bagh near
Mandu, which are striking vestiges of ancient rock-cut architecture of
India.
Bagh Caves, with their frescos, paintings and sculptures, are one of
the most valuable repositories of Buddhist mysticism in India. Two other
popular caves of Madhya Pradesh are the Bhartrihari and the Pandav
Caves. The eminences of these caves are offshoots of their mythological
and spiritual endowments. In addition to that, Udaigiri Caves (near
Sanchi) claim distinction for articulating art through bricks and
stones. In fact, each cave of the state is as riveting as the other is
and promises a hypnotizing journey to yesteryears. To know more about
the ancient caves in Madhya Pradesh, read on.
Bhimbetka
Caves
Bhimbetka caves of Madhya Pradesh, located 46 km south of Bhopal, is a
valuable repository that acts like a sentinel to the prehistoric art and
architecture of India. Infact, these caves claim a distinction as the
largest treasure house of prehistoric art in the country.
Bhartrihari
Caves
Bhartrihari caves of Madhya Pradesh stand proudly on the bank of the
Shipra River, near the revered Gadkalika Temple of Ujjain. Named after
the famous sage 'Bhatrihari', the caves stand as testimony to the
traditional wealth of India.
Udaigiri
Caves
The spurts of creative outpourings of the Guptas were legendary and
served as the hallmark of the dynasty. If you want to have a rich
glimpse of architectural legerdemain of the Guptas, just check out the
Udaigiri Caves of Madhya Pradesh.
Bagh Caves
Bagh Caves of Madhya Pradesh are counted amongst the finest specimens
of Buddhist art and architecture in India. Located 50 km west of Mandu,
this cluster of five caves falls on the road between Indore and
Vadodara. The word 'cave' is incongruous, as these cave sanctuaries have
not been naturally formed.
Pandav
Caves
An important tourist landmark in Panchmarhi, Pandav Caves lend their
name to this picturesque hill resort of Madhya Pradesh. According to
local legends and popular beliefs, the five Pandav brothers of
Mahabharata, along with their wife 'Draupadi', spent a part of their
exile here.