SUGRIVA CAVE, Hampi, 2nd

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

No local name is applied to a complex, three-dimensional maze cave in the accumulation of gravitationally dislocated granite boulders which built up the central, higher part of Sugriva Gudda, the hillock containing the cave of –>Sugriva. There are at least 20 cave entrances to this cave and those facing west overlook the Chakra Tirtha (bathing spot) below the Ramalakshmana temple (N15°20'10.2”: E76°28'06.8”, WGS84) on the path from Hampi Bazaar along the river to Vittala (Vithala, Vitthala) temple. CULTURAL HISTORY - human use: Both ancient and modern man modified the cave to a limited extent. STRONGHOLD: Inside the cave, one can find in the north-eastern area a split boulder marked with two parallel rows of square holes excavated to split the boulder with the help of wedges into three parts. Two pieces of this cracked boulder still rest side by side but the third section has been removed and was probably applied to the rough stones which fortify the northern cave entrances which orm perched balconies overlooking the ancient pillars that once were intended to carry the bridge across the river. CAVE DWELLING: Shards of pottery, including a broken water container (globular jar with raised neck (kudam?), dark ware, ca. 8 or 10 ltr) indicate the cave was used to a certain degree as a hide-out or resting place. ROCK ART: Near the bottom of the south-western edge of the hillock and facing Ramalakshmana temple (N15°20'10”: E76°28'07' WGS84), disgraces a green and white coloured graffiti (note 1) the surface of a couple of adjacent boulders.orm perched balconies overlooking the ancient pillars that once were intended to carry the bridge across the river. CAVE DWELLING: Shards of pottery, including a broken water container (globular jar with raised neck (kudam?), dark ware, ca. 8 or 10 ltr) indicate the cave was used to a certain degree as a hide-out or resting place. ROCK ART: Near the bottom of the south-western edge of the hillock and facing Ramalakshmana temple (N15°20'10”: E76°28'07' WGS84), disgraces a green and white coloured graffiti (note 1) the surface of a couple of adjacent boulders.