| Dharashiv Caves | |
| Pushpin Map: | India#India Maharashtra |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Maharashtra, India[1] |
| Coordinates: | 18.1956°N 76.01°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Maharashtra |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Dharashiv district |
| Postal Code Type: | Dating |
| Postal Code: | 5th century AD |
| Area Code Type: | Discovery |
| Area Code: | 10th Century |
| Iso Code: | IN-MH |
Dharashiv caves are the nexus of seven Sramanic caves located 8 km away from Osmanabad city, now renamed as Dharashiv city, in Balaghat mountains in Maharashtra state of India.[2] [3] [4] The caves were taken note by Archaeological Department of India and mentioned in the book Archaeological survey of India by James Burges.[5] Dharashiv Caves have been declared as Protected area by Government of Maharashtra.[6]
Dharashiv caves are believed to be built around 5th-7th century. First cave has been discovered in 10th century during the age of Rashtrakutas,[5] while there have been debates over caves whether they are Buddhist or Jain creations.[2] It is believed that these caves were originally Buddhist, but were later converted into monuments of the Jain religion.[5]
There are seven caves, 1st cave is harnessed by 20 pillars of scaffolding. Cave No. 2 is among major caves and modeled on the plan of the Vakataka caves at Ajantha. It has a central hall measuring 80 feet by 80 feet, with 14 cells for the residence of the Bhiksus and garbhagraha with a statue of the Gautam Buddha in Padmasana. 3rd cave resembles with 1st, while later caves are Jain caves.[2] [5]
Dharashiv caves are claimed by both Buddhist and Jain traditions. However research done by James Burges on 1200 caves in Maharashtra state showed that Dharashiv caves were originally a Buddhists caves in 5th century AD, while in 12th century some caves were converted to Jain caves.[7] [8]