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JANUARY, 1992
191
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The Double-storeyed Ranigumpa
Khāravela's chief queen was reputed to be a patron of arts and is believed to be responsible for the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves. These caves are important in many ways and they constitute an archaeological, historical and cultural treasure trove. Remarks Fabri, "With the possible exception of the much later Jaina caves at Elloră, the caves of Udaygiri and Khaņdagiri hills must be counted as the finest rock-cut works the Jaina community has ever produced. They are not only fascinating as a continuous document for the development of archaic art they also embrace some of the most admirable sculptures of the period produced anywhere in India by any community and bear, in many senses, comparison with the entire development of early Indian art at Bharhut, Sañci and Amarăvati especially the last.”
The caves follow an interesting pattern of construction. They consist of one or more small cells by a pillared verandāh, in which shelves have been carved.
The other famous cave on Udaygiri is Häthigumpha (Elephant cave) But its fame mainly rests on the 13 years lithic record of Khåravela's reign that is engraved here, architecturally it is insignificant. This inscription gives us an idea about the contemporary lifestyle, art, culture, religion, welfare measures undertaken by the king, his military
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