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The '''Nasik Caves'''<ref>Michell, 383</ref> or '''Trirashmi Leni''' (''Trirashmi'' being the name of the hills in which the caves are located, ''Leni'' being a [[Marathi language|Marathi]] word for caves), are a group of 23 caves carved between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE, though additional sculptures were added up to about the 6th century, reflecting changes in [[Buddhist]] devotional practices.<ref>Michell, 384</ref><ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-nashiks-buddhist-caves-complex-a-chance-new-find-7341629/</ref> The Buddhist sculptures are a significant group of early examples of [[Indian rock-cut architecture]] initially representing the [[Hinayana]] tradition. | The '''Nasik Caves'''<ref>Michell, 383</ref> or '''Trirashmi Leni''' (''Trirashmi'' being the name of the hills in which the caves are located, ''Leni'' being a [[Marathi language|Marathi]] word for caves), are a group of 23 caves carved between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE, though additional sculptures were added up to about the 6th century, reflecting changes in [[Buddhist]] devotional practices.<ref name="Michell, 384">Michell, 384</ref><ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-nashiks-buddhist-caves-complex-a-chance-new-find-7341629/</ref> The Buddhist sculptures are a significant group of early examples of [[Indian rock-cut architecture]] initially representing the [[Hinayana]] tradition. | ||
Most of the caves are [[viharas]] except for Cave 18 which is a [[chaitya]] of the 1st century BCE.<ref | Most of the caves are [[viharas]] except for Cave 18 which is a [[chaitya]] of the 1st century BCE.<ref name="Michell, 384"/> The style of some of the elaborate pillars or columns, for example in caves 3 and 10, is an important example of the development of the form.<ref>Harle, 55-56</ref> The location of the caves is a holy Buddhist site and is located about 8 km south of the centre of [[Nashik]] (or Nasik), [[Maharashtra]], India. The "Pandavleni" name sometimes given to the Nasik Caves has nothing to do with the characters [[Pandavas]], characters in the [[Mahabharata]] epic. Other caves in the area are [[Karla Caves]], [[Bhaja Caves]], [[Patan Cave]] and [[Bedse Caves]]. | ||
==Caves== | ==Caves== | ||
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[[File:Pandav img4.JPG|thumb|300px|Part of the caves (Caves No.6 to No.8) at Pandavleni.]] | [[File:Pandav img4.JPG|thumb|300px|Part of the caves (Caves No.6 to No.8) at Pandavleni.]] | ||
[[File:092pandavleni.jpg|thumb|Additional caves under the visitor's path at Pandavleni.]] | [[File:092pandavleni.jpg|thumb|Additional caves under the visitor's path at Pandavleni.]] | ||
The caves can be traced back up to the 1st century BCE by inscriptions recording donations.<ref | The caves can be traced back up to the 1st century BCE by inscriptions recording donations.<ref name="Michell, 384"/> Out of the twenty-four caves, two caves are a major attraction - the main cave which is the Chaitya (prayer hall) has a beautiful Stupa; the second one is cave no. 10 which is complete in all structural as well inscriptions. Both the caves have pictures of Buddha come out of a printer stuck all over the rocks there is also no water supply there. The caves are facing eastwards. So it is recommended to visit the caves early morning as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced. | ||
The caves were called Pundru which in Pali language means "yellow ochre color". This is because the caves were the residence of Buddhist monks who wore "the chivara or the yellow robes". Later on, the word Pundru changed to Pandu Caves (as per Ancient Monuments Act 26 May 1909). Decades later people started calling it Pandav Caves - a misnomer which is used for every cave in India. | The caves were called Pundru which in Pali language means "yellow ochre color". This is because the caves were the residence of Buddhist monks who wore "the chivara or the yellow robes". Later on, the word Pundru changed to Pandu Caves (as per Ancient Monuments Act 26 May 1909). Decades later people started calling it Pandav Caves - a misnomer which is used for every cave in India. | ||
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:*whose face was beautiful and pure like the lotas opened by the rays of the sun; whose chargers had drunk the water of three oceans; whose face was lovely and radiant like the orb of the full moon; whose gait was beautiful like the gait of a choice elephant; whose arms were as muscular and rounded, broad and long as the folds of the lord of serpents; whose fearless hand was wet by the water poured out to impart fearlessness; of unchecked obedience towards his mother; who properly devised time and place for the pursuit of the triple object (of human activity); who sympathised fully with the weal and woe of the citizens; | :*whose face was beautiful and pure like the lotas opened by the rays of the sun; whose chargers had drunk the water of three oceans; whose face was lovely and radiant like the orb of the full moon; whose gait was beautiful like the gait of a choice elephant; whose arms were as muscular and rounded, broad and long as the folds of the lord of serpents; whose fearless hand was wet by the water poured out to impart fearlessness; of unchecked obedience towards his mother; who properly devised time and place for the pursuit of the triple object (of human activity); who sympathised fully with the weal and woe of the citizens; | ||
:*who crushed down the pride and conceit of the [[Kshatriyas]]; who destroyed the [[Sakas]], [[Yavanas]] and [[Palhavas]]; who never levied nor employed taxes but in conformity to justice; alien to hurting life even towards an offending enemy; the furtherer of the homesteads of the low as well as of the twice-born; who rooted out the [[Western Satraps|Khakharata]] race; who restored the glory of the Satavahana family; whose feet were saluted by all provinces; who stopped the contamination of the four varnas; who conquered multitudes of enemies in many battles; whose victorious banner was unvanquished; whose capital was unassailable to his foes; | :*who crushed down the pride and conceit of the [[Kshatriyas]]; who destroyed the [[Sakas]], [[Yavanas]] and [[Palhavas]]; who never levied nor employed taxes but in conformity to justice; alien to hurting life even towards an offending enemy; the furtherer of the homesteads of the low as well as of the twice-born; who rooted out the [[Western Satraps|Khakharata]] race; who restored the glory of the Satavahana family; whose feet were saluted by all provinces; who stopped the contamination of the four varnas; who conquered multitudes of enemies in many battles; whose victorious banner was unvanquished; whose capital was unassailable to his foes; | ||
:*who had inherited from a long line of ancestors the privilege of kingly music; the abode of traditional lore; the refuge of the virtuous; the asylum of Fortune; the fountain of good manners; the unique controller; the unique archer; the unique hero; the unique Brahmana; in prowess equal to Kama, Kesava, [[Arjuna]] and Bhimasena; liberal on festive days in unceasing festivities and assemblies; not inferior in lustre to Nabhaga, Nahusha, Janamejaya, Sagara, Yayati, Rama and Ambartsha; who, vanquishing his enemies in a way as constant as inexhaustible, unthinkable and marvelous; in battles fought by the Wind, [[Garuda]], the Siddbas, the [[Yakshas]], the Rakshasas, the Vidyadharas, the Bhutas, the Gandharvas, the Charanas, the Moon, the Son, the Asterisms and the Planets, (appeared to be himself) plunging into the sky from the shoulder of his choice elephant; (and) who (thus) raised his family to high fortune, | :*who had inherited from a long line of ancestors the privilege of kingly music; the abode of traditional lore; the refuge of the virtuous; the asylum of Fortune; the fountain of good manners; the unique controller; the unique archer; the unique hero; the unique Brahmana; in prowess equal to Kama, Kesava, [[Arjuna]] and Bhimasena; liberal on festive days in unceasing festivities and assemblies; not inferior in lustre to Nabhaga, Nahusha, Janamejaya, Sagara, Yayati, Rama and Ambartsha; who, vanquishing his enemies in a way as constant as inexhaustible, unthinkable and marvelous; in battles fought by the Wind, [[Garuda]], the Siddbas, the [[Yakshas]], the Rakshasas, the Vidyadharas, the Bhutas, the Gandharvas, the Charanas, the Moon, the Son, the Asterisms and the Planets, (appeared to be himself) plunging into the sky from the shoulder of his choice elephant; (and) who (thus) raised his family to high fortune, | ||
caused, as a pious gift, on the top of the Tiranhu mountain similar to the top of the [[Kailasa]], (this) cave to be made quite equal to the divine mansions (there). And that cave the great queen, mother of a [[Maharaja]] and grandmother of a Maharaja, gives to the Sangha of monks in the person of the fraternity of the Bhadavaniyas; and for the sake of the embellishment of that cave, with a view to honour and please the great queen his grandmother, her grandson lord of [Dakshina]patha, making over the merit of the gift to his father, grants to this meritorious donation (vis. the cave) the village Pisajipadaka on the south-west side of mount Tiranhu.<br> | caused, as a pious gift, on the top of the Tiranhu mountain similar to the top of the [[Kailasa]], (this) cave to be made quite equal to the divine mansions (there). And that cave the great queen, mother of a [[Maharaja]] and grandmother of a Maharaja, gives to the Sangha of monks in the person of the fraternity of the Bhadavaniyas; and for the sake of the embellishment of that cave, with a view to honour and please the great queen his grandmother, her grandson lord of [Dakshina]patha, making over the merit of the gift to his father, grants to this meritorious donation (vis. the cave) the village Pisajipadaka on the south-west side of mount Tiranhu.<br> | ||
Renunciation to the enjoyments of every kind." | Renunciation to the enjoyments of every kind." | ||
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|{{quote|[[File:Nasik inscription No4.jpg|thumb|300px|Inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Cave No.3, Inscription No.4.]][[File:017 Cave 3, Inscription (33928306816).jpg|thumb|300px|The two inscriptions of Gautamiputra Satakarni, written one after another. Cave No.3, Inscription No.4.]]<br> | |{{quote|[[File:Nasik inscription No4.jpg|thumb|300px|Inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Cave No.3, Inscription No.4.]][[File:017 Cave 3, Inscription (33928306816).jpg|thumb|300px|The two inscriptions of Gautamiputra Satakarni, written one after another. Cave No.3, Inscription No.4.]]<br> | ||
" Success! From the camp of victory of the Vejayanti army, Siri-[[Gautamiputra Satakarni|Sadakani Gotamiputa]], lord of Benakataka of Govadhana, commands Vinhupalita, the officer at Govadhana: The Ajakalakiya field in the village of Western Kakhadi, previously enjoyed by [[Rishabhadatta|Usabhadata]], - two hundred - 200 - nivartanas, - that our field - two hundred - 200 - nivartanas - we confer on those Tekirasi ascetics; and to that field we grant immunity, (making it) not to be entered (by royal officers), not to be touched (by any of them), not to be dag for salt, not to be interfered with by the district police, and (in short) to enjoy all kinds of immunities; with those immunities invest it; and this field and these immunities take care to have registered here. Verbally ordered; written down by the officer Sivaguta; kept by the Mahasamiyas. The deed was delivered in the 18th year, on the 1st day of the 2nd fortnight of the rainy season; executed by Tapasa." | " Success! From the camp of victory of the Vejayanti army, Siri-[[Gautamiputra Satakarni|Sadakani Gotamiputa]], lord of Benakataka of Govadhana, commands Vinhupalita, the officer at Govadhana: The Ajakalakiya field in the village of Western Kakhadi, previously enjoyed by [[Rishabhadatta|Usabhadata]], - two hundred - 200 - nivartanas, - that our field - two hundred - 200 - nivartanas - we confer on those Tekirasi ascetics; and to that field we grant immunity, (making it) not to be entered (by royal officers), not to be touched (by any of them), not to be dag for salt, not to be interfered with by the district police, and (in short) to enjoy all kinds of immunities; with those immunities invest it; and this field and these immunities take care to have registered here. Verbally ordered; written down by the officer Sivaguta; kept by the Mahasamiyas. The deed was delivered in the 18th year, on the 1st day of the 2nd fortnight of the rainy season; executed by Tapasa." | ||
|Nasik Caves inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Cave No.3<ref>Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.71-72]</ref>}} | |Nasik Caves inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Cave No.3<ref name="p.71-72">Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.71-72]</ref>}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
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dwelling in the cave which is a pious gift of ours, a field in the village of Kakhadi; but this field is not tilled, nor is the village inhabited. Matters being so, that royal village of ours, which is now here on the limit of the town, from that field we give to the mendicant ascetics of Tiranhu one hundred -100 - nivartanas of land, and to that field we grant immunity, (making it) not to be entered (by royal officers), not to be touched (by any of them), not to be dug for salt, not to be interfered with by the district police, and (in short) to enjoy ail kinds of immunities; invest it with those immunities, and take care that the donation of the field and the immunities are duly registered." Verbally ordered ; the deed written down by Lota, the door-keeper; (the charter) executed by Sujivin in the year 24, in the 4th fortnight of the rainy season, on the fifth -5th- day. The donation had been made in the year 24, in the | dwelling in the cave which is a pious gift of ours, a field in the village of Kakhadi; but this field is not tilled, nor is the village inhabited. Matters being so, that royal village of ours, which is now here on the limit of the town, from that field we give to the mendicant ascetics of Tiranhu one hundred -100 - nivartanas of land, and to that field we grant immunity, (making it) not to be entered (by royal officers), not to be touched (by any of them), not to be dug for salt, not to be interfered with by the district police, and (in short) to enjoy ail kinds of immunities; invest it with those immunities, and take care that the donation of the field and the immunities are duly registered." Verbally ordered ; the deed written down by Lota, the door-keeper; (the charter) executed by Sujivin in the year 24, in the 4th fortnight of the rainy season, on the fifth -5th- day. The donation had been made in the year 24, in the | ||
2nd fortnight of summer, on the 10th day." | 2nd fortnight of summer, on the 10th day." | ||
|Nasik Caves inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Cave No.3<ref>Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.71-72]</ref>}} | |Nasik Caves inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Cave No.3<ref name="p.71-72">Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.71-72]</ref>}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
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===Caves No.11, "Jain cave"=== | ===Caves No.11, "Jain cave"=== | ||
Cave No.11 is close to Cave No.10, but at a somewhat higher level. In the left end of the veranda is the fragment of a seat; the room inside is 11 feet 7 inches by 7 feet 10 inches, having a cell, 6 feet 8 inches square, at the left end, and another, not quite so large, at the back, with a bench at the side and back. In the front room is carved, on the back wall, in low relief, a sitting figure and attendants on a lion throne, and on the right-end wall a fat figure of [[ | Cave No.11 is close to Cave No.10, but at a somewhat higher level. In the left end of the veranda is the fragment of a seat; the room inside is 11 feet 7 inches by 7 feet 10 inches, having a cell, 6 feet 8 inches square, at the left end, and another, not quite so large, at the back, with a bench at the side and back. In the front room is carved, on the back wall, in low relief, a sitting figure and attendants on a lion throne, and on the right-end wall a fat figure of [[Ambika (Jainism)|Amba]] on a tiger with attendants, and an [[Indra]] on an elephant: all are small, clumsily carved, and evidently of late [[Jainism|Jaina]] workmanship.<ref name="Fergusson 267"/> | ||
Cave No.11 has one inscription mentioning it is the gift of the son of a writer: " the benefaction of Ramanaka, the son of Sivamitra, the writer."<ref name="EI 90">Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.90ff]</ref>Cave No.12 has one inscription mentioning it is the gift of a merchant named Ramanaka.<ref name="EI 90"/> Cave No.13 has no inscriptions.<ref name="EI 90"/> | Cave No.11 has one inscription mentioning it is the gift of the son of a writer: " the benefaction of Ramanaka, the son of Sivamitra, the writer."<ref name="EI 90">Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.90ff]</ref> Cave No.12 has one inscription mentioning it is the gift of a merchant named Ramanaka.<ref name="EI 90"/> Cave No.13 has no inscriptions.<ref name="EI 90"/> | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto;" align="center" colspan="2" cellpadding="3" style="font-size: 80%; width: 100%;" | {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto;" align="center" colspan="2" cellpadding="3" style="font-size: 80%; width: 100%;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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;Inside hall | ;Inside hall | ||
Cave 17 is the third large Vihara, though smaller than Nos.3, 10, 20, and has been executed close to the upper portion of the [[Chaitya]] cave. The hall measures 22 feet 10 inches wide by 32 feet 2 inches deep, and has a back aisle screened off by two columns, of which the elephants and their riders and the thin square members of the capitals only are finished. The steps of the shrine door have also been left as a rough block, on which a [[Hindu]] has carved the ''shalunkha'', or receptacle for a [[linga]]. The shrine has never been finished. On the wall of the back aisle is a standing figure of Buddha, 3.5 feet high; in the left side of the hall, 2 feet 3 inches from the floor, is a recess, 18.5 feet long and 4 feet | Cave 17 is the third large Vihara, though smaller than Nos.3, 10, 20, and has been executed close to the upper portion of the [[Chaitya]] cave. The hall measures 22 feet 10 inches wide by 32 feet 2 inches deep, and has a back aisle screened off by two columns, of which the elephants and their riders and the thin square members of the capitals only are finished. The steps of the shrine door have also been left as a rough block, on which a [[Hindu]] has carved the ''shalunkha'', or receptacle for a [[linga]]. The shrine has never been finished. On the wall of the back aisle is a standing figure of Buddha, 3.5 feet high; in the left side of the hall, 2 feet 3 inches from the floor, is a recess, 18.5 feet long and 4 feet | ||
3 inches high by 2 feet deep, intended for a seat or perhaps for a row of metallic images; a cell has been attempted at each end of this, but one of them has entered the aisle of the Chaitya-cave just below, and the work has then been stopped. On the right side are four cells without benches.<ref name="Fergusson 271">The cave temples of India, Fergusson, James, W.H. Allen &Co [https://archive.org/stream/cavetemplesofind00ferguoft p.271ff] (Public domain text)</ref | 3 inches high by 2 feet deep, intended for a seat or perhaps for a row of metallic images; a cell has been attempted at each end of this, but one of them has entered the aisle of the Chaitya-cave just below, and the work has then been stopped. On the right side are four cells without benches.<ref name="Fergusson 271">The cave temples of India, Fergusson, James, W.H. Allen &Co [https://archive.org/stream/cavetemplesofind00ferguoft p.271ff] (Public domain text)</ref> | ||
;Veranda | ;Veranda | ||
The veranda is somewhat peculiar, and it would seem that, at first, a much smaller cave was projected, or else by some mistake it was begun too far to the left. It is ascended | The veranda is somewhat peculiar, and it would seem that, at first, a much smaller cave was projected, or else by some mistake it was begun too far to the left. It is ascended | ||
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;Comparisons | ;Comparisons | ||
The cave is later than the Chaitya next it, and the veranda a little later in style than the Nahapana Cave No.10. The interior with an image of the Buddha, was probably executed at a later date, around the 6th century CE.<ref name="Fergusson 271"/> Fergusson states later in his book that, from an architectural standpoint, Cave No.17 is contemporary with the Great Chatya at the [[Karla Caves]], but is actually a bit earlier in style than Cave No.10 of Nahapana at Nasik, but at no great interval of time.<ref name="Fergusson">{{cite book|last1=Fergusson|first1=James|last2=Burgess|first2=James|title=The cave temples of India|date=1880|publisher=London : Allen| | The cave is later than the Chaitya next it, and the veranda a little later in style than the Nahapana Cave No.10. The interior with an image of the Buddha, was probably executed at a later date, around the 6th century CE.<ref name="Fergusson 271"/> Fergusson states later in his book that, from an architectural standpoint, Cave No.17 is contemporary with the Great Chatya at the [[Karla Caves]], but is actually a bit earlier in style than Cave No.10 of Nahapana at Nasik, but at no great interval of time.<ref name="Fergusson">{{cite book|last1=Fergusson|first1=James|last2=Burgess|first2=James|title=The cave temples of India|date=1880|publisher=London : Allen|pages=348–360|url=https://archive.org/stream/cavetemplesofind00ferguoft#page/351/mode/2up}}</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto;" align="center" colspan="2" cellpadding="3" style="font-size: 80%; width: 100%;" | {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto;" align="center" colspan="2" cellpadding="3" style="font-size: 80%; width: 100%;" | ||
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054 Cave 17, Pillars and Inscription (33811675492).jpg|Entrance. The inscription is visible, in part, over the entrance. | 054 Cave 17, Pillars and Inscription (33811675492).jpg|Entrance. The inscription is visible, in part, over the entrance. | ||
057 Cave 17, Capital (33811669422).jpg|Pillar capital | 057 Cave 17, Capital (33811669422).jpg|Pillar capital | ||
058 Cave 17, Standing Buddha (33156344033).jpg|Standing Buddha (a later addition).<ref>Archaeological survey of India [http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_maha_pandulenacaves.asp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926230100/http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_maha_pandulenacaves.asp |date=26 September 2013 }}</ref> | 058 Cave 17, Standing Buddha (33156344033).jpg|Standing Buddha (a later addition).<ref name="asi.nic.in">Archaeological survey of India [http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_maha_pandulenacaves.asp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926230100/http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_maha_pandulenacaves.asp |date=26 September 2013 }}</ref> | ||
</gallery><br> | </gallery><br> | ||
<gallery mode="packed" heights=150px> | <gallery mode="packed" heights=150px> | ||
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The cave has several inscriptions. Inscription No.19 appears on the 5th and 6th pillars on the right aisle of the Chaitya, and explains that the cave received some perfecting by the wife of a government official, but the government in question remains unnamed: | The cave has several inscriptions. Inscription No.19 appears on the 5th and 6th pillars on the right aisle of the Chaitya, and explains that the cave received some perfecting by the wife of a government official, but the government in question remains unnamed: | ||
{{quote|"By Bhatapalika, the grand-daughter of Mahahakusiri and daughter of the royal officer Arahalaya from Chalisilana, wife of the royal officer Agiyatanaka, of the treasure office, mother of Kapananaka, this [[Chaitya | {{quote|"By Bhatapalika, the grand-daughter of Mahahakusiri and daughter of the royal officer Arahalaya from Chalisilana, wife of the royal officer Agiyatanaka, of the treasure office, mother of Kapananaka, this [[Chaitya]]griha has been caused to be perfected on this mount Tiranhu." | ||
|Inscription No.19, Cave No.18<ref name="EI 91">Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.91ff]</ref>}} | |Inscription No.19, Cave No.18<ref name="EI 91">Epigraphia Indica [https://archive.org/stream/EpigraphiaIndica/Epigraphia_Indica p.91ff]</ref>}} | ||
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The cave is exceedingly plain style, and the remarkable rectangularity of all its parts, agree perfectly with what might be expected in a Vihara of the first or second century BCE. Its close family likeness to Cave No.12 at [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]] and others at [[Bhaja Caves|Bhaja]] and [[Kondane]], all of the earliest age, suggest about the same date.<ref name="Fergusson 274">The cave temples of India, Fergusson, James, W.H. Allen &Co [https://archive.org/stream/cavetemplesofind00ferguoft p.274ff] (Public domain text)</ref><br> | The cave is exceedingly plain style, and the remarkable rectangularity of all its parts, agree perfectly with what might be expected in a Vihara of the first or second century BCE. Its close family likeness to Cave No.12 at [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]] and others at [[Bhaja Caves|Bhaja]] and [[Kondane]], all of the earliest age, suggest about the same date.<ref name="Fergusson 274">The cave temples of India, Fergusson, James, W.H. Allen &Co [https://archive.org/stream/cavetemplesofind00ferguoft p.274ff] (Public domain text)</ref><br> | ||
The cave has one inscription of king [[Kanha (Satavahana dynasty)|Krishna]] of the [[Satavahanas]], which is the oldest known Satavahana inscription, dated to 100-70 BCE:<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brancaccio|first1=Pia|title=The Buddhist Caves at Aurangabad: Transformations in Art and Religion|date=2010|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-9004185258|page=61|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m_4pXm7dD78C&pg=PA61|language=en}}</ref | The cave has one inscription of king [[Kanha (Satavahana dynasty)|Krishna]] of the [[Satavahanas]], which is the oldest known Satavahana inscription, dated to 100-70 BCE:<ref name="EI 93"/><ref>{{cite book|last1=Brancaccio|first1=Pia|title=The Buddhist Caves at Aurangabad: Transformations in Art and Religion|date=2010|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-9004185258|page=61|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m_4pXm7dD78C&pg=PA61|language=en}}</ref> | ||
{{quote| | {{quote| | ||
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| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#D3D3D3; font-size: 100%;"| '''Cave No.19, "Krishna vihara", circa 100-70 BCE<ref name="Alcock">Empires: Perspectives from Archaeology and History by Susan E. Alcock [https://books.google.com/books?id=MBuPx1rdGYIC&pg=PA168 p.168]</ref>''' | | align=center colspan=2 style="background:#D3D3D3; font-size: 100%;"| '''Cave No.19, "Krishna vihara", circa 100-70 BCE<ref name="Alcock">Empires: Perspectives from Archaeology and History by Susan E. Alcock [https://books.google.com/books?id=MBuPx1rdGYIC&pg=PA168 p.168]</ref>''' | ||
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|Cave No19 is located on the ground floor, to the left of the entrance of Cave No.18, and right under cave No.20. Cave No.19 has one inscription mentioning the dedication by a government officer during the rule of king [[Kanha (Satavahana dynasty)|Krishna]] of the [[Satavahanas]]. King Krishna, also called Kanha, is said to have ruled in the 1st century BCE (100-70 BCE), which makes Cave No.19 one of the earliest to be excavated.<ref | |Cave No19 is located on the ground floor, to the left of the entrance of Cave No.18, and right under cave No.20. Cave No.19 has one inscription mentioning the dedication by a government officer during the rule of king [[Kanha (Satavahana dynasty)|Krishna]] of the [[Satavahanas]]. King Krishna, also called Kanha, is said to have ruled in the 1st century BCE (100-70 BCE), which makes Cave No.19 one of the earliest to be excavated.<ref name="asi.nic.in"/> | ||
<gallery mode="packed" heights=150px> | <gallery mode="packed" heights=150px> | ||
Nasik cave 19.jpg|Cave No.19 | Nasik cave 19.jpg|Cave No.19 | ||