Bhaja Caves

Bhaja Caves or Bhaje caves (Marathi: भाजा) is a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in Pune, near Lonavala, Maharashtra. The caves are 400 feet above the village of Bhaja,^[3] on an important ancient trade route running from the Arabian Sea eastward into the Deccan Plateau (the division between North India and South India).^[4] The inscriptions and the cave temple are protected as a National Monument, by the Archaeological Survey of India per Notification No. 2407-A.^[5][6] It belongs to the Hinayana Buddhism sect in Maharashtra.^[2] The caves have a number of stupas, one of their significant features. The most prominent excavation is its chaityagrha (Cave XII), demonstrating prototypes of wooden architecture and a vaulted horseshoe ceiling. Its vihara (Cave XVIII) has a pillared verandah in front and is adorned with unique reliefs.^[7] These caves are notable for their indications of the awareness of wooden architecture.^[2] The carvings prove that tabla – a percussion instrument – was used in India for at least two thousand years. The carving shows a woman playing tabla and another woman, performing dance.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaja Caves