An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s12.t3.3
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s12.t3.3
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v1.c19.s12.t3.3
Even though Bihar was the earliest stronghold of Jainism and there are references to several monastic establishments, yet the only monument identified so far is the Sonbhandar caves at RAJGIR dating to the 3rd-4th centuries A.D., though an earlier origin has been suggested. These caves are oblong chambers for the residence of monks. Dating from about the same time is a group of 20 monastic rock-cut cells at Junagadh near Girnar known as caves of Bawa-Pyara's Math. Arranged in three lines, these caves have a very early form of *caitya*-window ornament.