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Description and Chronology of Caves
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twin peaks reaching upto 1,331 m above the plain (Plate 84). The site can be reached from Taharabad.
There are two caves at the height of around 150 m on the southern face of Mangi hill containing about 80 icons, while at the top of the hills are a few more caves and icons on the rock face surrounding the bare, peculiarly-shaped peaks. The Mangi peak has four caves containing 140 icons and around 135 icons on the rock-face, while the Tungi peak has two caves with 26 icons and eight icons on the rock-face. The site is at present taken over by the Digambaras who have renovated all the caves and 'retouched' the sculptures. A parapet wall is built around both the peaks, while a proper stairway is built to reach the peaks. There is a Jaina temple of Maratha period at the base. There is also a modern temple. At present, another temple is being built. The Jainas have also built dharmaśālā for accommodating the pilgrims. Previously, the road beyond 6 km north of Taharabad till the foot of the hills was just a cart track. Now a proper metalled road is built. The state transport runs a bus twice a day from Taharabad to Mangi-Tungi.
The site was reported by Banerji (1921-22: 66-69) providing a detailed description of the lower caves and a brief mention of the upper icons.
Description
Cave I
This south-facing cave has a rectangular verandah and a square hall or a shrine in the back wall of the verandah (Fig. 42).
The verandah was reported to be open with stumps of two pillars remaining. It had collapsed partly. It is now closed with a brick wall (Plate 85). There is a window in each side and a door in the centre, each made of iron bars. The doorway is 1.85m by 1.04m. The window on the right is 1.04m by 0.78m, while the window on the left is 1.36m by 1.09m. The verandah is around 5.6m wide and 1m deep. The sidewalls and back walls are carved with sculptures. On the back wall is a doorway leading to the shrine. It is plain, measuring 1.47m by 1.04m with a 0.22m high doorsill. The doorsill has been built recently. Flanking the door is a dvarapala. In front of the door is carved a chandrasila. The ceiling is 1.85m high.
The shrine is around 2.5m wide. On the right side it is 1.70m deep, while on the left it is 1.90m deep. On the back wall is a bench, which is around 0.22m wide and 0.4m high. On the ceiling is a trace of a circle, perhaps a lotus was intended. The ceiling is 1.85m high.
Sculptures
Verandah:
1. Seated Jina: 0.54m by 0.46m.
The figure is placed in a niche, which is pointed at the top. The Jina figure measures 0.37m by 0.22m. He is seated in padmasana.
