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Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India focus now shifted to this colossal. The rest of the caves post-date this icon, though very close in time. During this second phase of religious activity, a number of loose icons were also installed in the lower caves. As mentioned earlier, one of these icons carried a date of 1247 CE. Some of these icons were found during the clearance work carried out in 19th century.
MANGI-TUNGI (Upper Caves)
To the right of the lower caves, there was an ancient road to reach the top of the hill. The road consisted of rock-cut steps and partly of galleries hewn out of the rock. At present there are proper steps with parapet walls. Near the top, the road bifurcates. The road to the right leads to the Tungi peak, while the road to the left leads to the Mangi peak. At present, there is a high gate at this bifurcation.
Description
Mangi Peak: The steps lead to the western end of the peak base. A narrow pathway is cut encircling the peak. The pathway is now paved and is provided with a parapet wall. All around the peak are carved caves and sculptures. Some of the sculptures are carved directly on the rock face. Most of the caves and sculptures are on the northern facing side of the peak. These caves and sculptures are numbered in west to east direction starting from the steps (Fig. 72a).
A: Three standing monks: 2.76m by 1.32m.
This sculpture is around 20m east of the steps. It consists of three standing Digambara monks. Each stands in a shallow niche, which is 0.92m by 0.44m. Each figure of monk is around 0.85m by 0.36m and stands in kayotsarga mudra. Below the right hand of each figure is a broom, while below the left hand is a kamandalu or an eating vessel. The heads are shown clean-shaven and the ears are long.
Above each niche is a small figure of a seated Jina, though the figure above the central niche has disappeared. The Jina figure measures 0.14m by 0.14m.
In front of the monks are three pairs of padukas. Each pair is around 0.27m by 0.18m. To the right or east of this sculpture are faint traces of two devotees.
To the east of this sculpture is a pit, around 2m long, 1.6m wide and 1m deep.
B: Standing Monk: 2m by 1.37m.
This sculpture is around 18m from A. At present, it is known as the 'Krutantavakra Cave'. This figure is carved within a pilastered niche with pointed arch. The figure of monk measures 1.73m by 0.73m. The monk stands in kayotsarga mudra with an akṣamālā in right hand, while below the left hand is a broom. The head is shown clean-shaven and on the chest is a flower-shaped śrivatsa.
