LONAD, Thane (Cave at)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

M. N. Deshpande of Nehru Centre, Bombay, identified on the architrave of the cave at Lonad a narrative scene of the Vessantara Jataka together with panels of Hariti and Panchika, thereby establishing conclusively the Buddhist affiliation of the cave. The cave can be attributed to the fifth century AD. As a result of clearance undertaken by A. P. Jamkhedkar, Director of Archaeology & Museums, Government of Maharashtra, details of the moulded plinth of the cave were brought to light. The central doorway leading to the interior hall is flanked by caryatid Yaksha images. A large panel on the right side of the cave, outside the verandah, appears to be a magnification of the scene on the architrave, where Vessantara's father is depicted seated on a high seat amidst courtiers and attendants taking the fateful decision to banish the prince Vessantara (Indian Archaeology: A Review [IAR] 1981-82 / 1984: 98).