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HomeEvents 2022-23Study Visit to Mandapeshwar, Jogeshwari and Mahakali Caves

Study Visit to Mandapeshwar, Jogeshwari and Mahakali Caves

Subject Coordinator: Prof. Rupali Vaidya

Faculty Team for Site Visit:

  • Prof. Gauri Damle
  • Prof. Ajita
  • Prof. Rupali Vaidya
  • Prof: Aditya Gujarkar

Aim
The aim of the site visit was to develop observational skills and create an interactive learning environment on site for the students to get the exact feel of structure with respect to volume, art, space, timeline, history.

Objectives

  • To understand historical context of site
  • To Understanding tangible and intangible aspect with respect to existing structures art form, architectural style.
  • To understand the method of construction techniques prevalent at the time of construction

 

 

Inscriptions 

Board Games 

Sculptures Relief Panels 

 

 

 

 

 

Stupa 

Sculpture Relief Panel 

About The Site Visit
The Site visit was conducted on 15th December, 2022 to Mandapeshwar caves at Borivli, Jogeshwari Caves at Jogeshwari and Mahakali Caves at Andheri in Mumbai from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Four Faculties accompanied the day long visit with students of 1st year and 2nd year. Commutation to various caves was done through public transport.

Order is which caves were visited is as follows:

Mandapeshwar Caves-
Mandapeshwar caves is located in the vicinity of foothills of Kanheri Caves in Borivli, Mumbai, carved on hilly rock, in proximity of Dahisar River built around 6th century CE. Currently it is a live site of worship as temple. Interactive session was held with students focussing following points related to caves

  1. Timeline
  2. Architectural Style- Rock cut architecture and evolution.
  3. What are caves, types of caves, form and Function with respect to religious perspective
  4. Construction techniques, geology, natural phenomena, selection of site
  5. User transition of caves with respect to changing political power and change in architectural style thus reflected
  6. Art depicted in caves, Inscriptions, Board Games

Jogeshwari Caves-
Located near Jogeshwari station, built around 6th century CE. Currently it is a live site of worship as a temple having various deities. Interactive session was held with students focussing following points related to caves

  1. Timeline
  2. Architectural Style- Rock cut architecture
  3. Discussion on plan, no of storey, volume of caves
  4. Construction techniques, geology, natural phenomena, selection of site
  5. Art form depicted in caves

Mahakali Caves-
Located at Andheri on hill side also known as Kondivite. It is a Buddhist cave site comprising of 19 caves built between 1st BCE and 6th CE. Currently maintained by ASI Mumbai Circle. Interactive session was held with students focussing following points related to caves

  1. Timeline
  2. Architectural Style- Rock cut architecture
  3. Discussion on planning of caves, Water management system, Stupa, Viharas, Chaitya
  4. Construction techniques, geology, natural phenomena, selection of site
  5. Art form depicted in caves, Inscriptions.

Outcome of Site visit conducted

  1. The student’s photo documented various aspect of cave site.
  2. The students got acquainted with rock cut architecture, its timeline, methods of construction technique, site location, site selection, material, form, function.
  3. The students learned about transition of socio religious cultural phases in history of Mumbai as depicted in caves.