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Conclusion
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emergence as sacred places due to their uniqueness and striking appearance in contrast to the surrounding landscape.
As far as other sites are considered, water, mostly in the form of river flowing nearby seems to have been considered most sacred and played an important role in the selection of a site. Dharashiva, Ambejogai, Ellora, Patne, Mohida- all these sites have rivers flowing nearby. Though, river Godavari flows a little away from the Pandu Lena, the sanctity attached to the area because of the river must have played a role. The source of the river was held in high esteem. Anjaneri, though situated a little away from the source of river Godavari, developed as an important religious centre.
Though it is very difficult to substantiate the role of such symbolic factors in the selection of a cave-site with concrete evidence either in literary texts or inscriptions, the very fact that quite distinct places were chosen for excavating caves indicates that these factors worked in the psyche of the people..
SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASE
The occurrence of these caves on trade routes and near large towns indicates their relation with commercial activities. The historical development of Jainism in Maharashtra reveals that the sect reached the zenith of popularity during the period between 9th-10th to 14th century CE. Most of the caves were also excavated during this period, while some earlier sites like Dharashiva and Ellora experienced another phase of cave excavation and/or installation of loose icons. Apart from these caves, a large number of other remains such as inscriptions, icons and temples also date from this period. A study of these remains reveals the similar fact that Jainism was strong mainly in large and prosperous towns. The increased number of the Jaina remains indicates possible increase in the Jaina population during this period, but more than anything it points at the rise in the position of the Jainas in the society. The apparent relationship of Jainism with 'urban' towns and the occurrence of Jaina caves on trade routes suggest that the rise of Jainas in the post10th century CE period can be related to the revival and expansion of trade, involving south Asian, especially the Chola and southeast Asian kingdoms and China. The acceleration of commerce from the 9th-10th century CE is noticed in northern, western and southern India. Sanjan, Chaul, Thana and Sopara in Konkan were active and prosperous ports of the western coast during this period as these are frequently mentioned in the accounts of Arab geographers and other travellers. These accounts also list a number of items, which were produced at these places and were exported to far off countries along with the items from other areas. Thus, there must have been regular movement of traders criss-crossing the region. Moreover, a large number of references to various industries in the Mahanubhava texts and the Arab accounts, descriptions of large cities in literary accounts as well as some inscriptions and the presence of a number of merchants and guilds in different parts of Maharashtra indicate brisk trade activities. The acceleration of trade resulted in general prosperity and the emergence of a number of religious establishments, which sustained on liberal donations. It led to rise in the social position of the vaisya community, a large part of which followed Jainism. It is noticed that the main five divisions of the vaiśya community in Rajasthan at present, were originally kshatriyas, who converted to Jainism and took to trade. The sect always
