Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c47.22

c47.22

Caves XVI and XVII are magnificent *viharas*. From an architectural and artistic point of view, they are perhaps the best specimens of Gupta art in India. Fortunately both these caves contain inscriptions which connect them with Harishena. He was the last king of the Vakataka dynasty of whom we have any definite record, and reigned from about 465 to 500 A D. From these inscriptions it appears that Cave XVI was dedicated by Varahadeva, Harishena's minister, while Cave XVII was cut during the same reign by the minister of a ruler who seems to have been subordinate to Harishena. It would, therefore, be safe to estimate that these caves were constructed about 470 or 480 A D.