Maharashtra: 2nd Century BC cave structure found in Nallasopara

While exploring the nearby area in the Virar (Sopara), an archaeology researcher stumbled upon a small cave structure of historic importance dating back to approximately second century BC. Upon further exploration, he found out that the cave, used as a temple in the area, is a rock-cut Buddhist cave.

Visiting the temple space to explore further, Siddhart Kale, a Vasai resident, who has been exploring Vasai Taluka for the last few years has also discovered historic structures such as the sati stone which is a cave structure having five water cisterns, a hero stone, which is generally dedicated to the memory of a soldier, and rock-cut caves structures hidden in the area.

Speaking about the finding, Kale, who holds a Masters degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, said, "The temple where residents from nearby areas visit to worship Baronda Devi is not an ancient temple not an ancient temple but a rock-cut cave from second century BC, which people are not aware of despite the structures inside the temple depict that it is a part of the Buddhist caves."

Kale, who has been conducting research for the Archaeology department, has visited over 52 villages in search of archaeological remains.

"These caves are known as Vassavassa and were mainly used by the Buddhist monks during the rains. The Baronda Devi temple was converted into a temple in the 19th century. The caves have similar features as seen in the Jivdhani caves. They also have a renovated bench that can be dated back to similar period.

The length of the caves is 15 feet while the height is six feet after the renovation work was completed.

UNEARTHING CAVES

• In 2016, Kale also found a few historic structures at Vasai’s Parol village while doing a research work funded by the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies, Mumbai University. 

• The structures found at Vasai include three hero stones and a sati stone.