Pitalkhora

archaeological site, India

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July 1, 2026

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The Pitalkhora caves are an archaeological site in India, notable for their rock-cut sculptures. These sculptures represent an advancement over earlier works, with figures carved in greater depth and volume. While some elements reflect a continuing terra-cotta sculpture tradition, others show a harder line reminiscent of wood carving. Notably, Pitalkhora features some of the earliest depictions of smiling and laughing yakshas, as well as figures expressing joy and intoxication. These caves are part of the broader tradition of Buddhist rock-cut architecture in western India, with similar artistic developments seen at sites like Bhaja, Kondane, Bedsa, Nasik, and Karli.1

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South Asian arts
Indian sculpture in the 2nd and 1st centuries bce: relief sculpture of western India
…India have been found at Pitalkhora. The colossal plinth of a monastery decorated with a row of elephants, the large figures of the door guardians, and several fragments recovered during the course of excavations are among the more important remains. A great proportion of the work represents an advance over…
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…India have been found at Pitalkhora. The colossal plinth of a monastery decorated with a row of elephants, the large figures of the door guardians, and several fragments recovered during the course of excavations are among the more important remains. A great proportion of the work represents an advance over…
Read More