Raw data
"Khandagiri - Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict. The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC.
Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.
As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. […]
The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udaygiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.
The Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.
All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes."
http://orissadiary.com/orissa_tourism/heritage/Khandagiri.asp
Input by: tmciolek, Apr 11, 2009
"Just 7 km from Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Udayagiri (135-ft high) and Khandagiri (118-ft high) that are known for their ornately carved caves, dating back to first century BC."
http://www.orissatourismindia.com/east-india-temples.html
Udayagiri is situated some 5-10 kms E of Dhanmandal - tmc, maps.google.com, 22 Jun 2010.
Dhanmandal, India Page
World:India:State of Orissa
Lat 20.7000 Long 86.1167
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Dhanmandal.html
Input: tmciolek, 12 May 2009.
Final data (and their sources)
Last updated: 06 Aug 2013
Lat/Long coordinates' accuracy:
The monastery in question is assumed to be situated actually no farther than 200 m from the point defined by the coordinates below.
General location of the Khandagiri monastery, IN.
lat=20.66 long=86.27666
Mapping & images: Falling Rain Genomics (http://www.fallingrain.com), 2009.
Google Map link:
Final data - explanatory notes
1. Monastery's name
- Khandagiri monastery
2. Monastery's modern country & province
- India:State of Orissa
3. Monastery's alternative/historical names
- [missing data]
4. Monastery's lat/long coordinates
- Approx Lat 20.66 Long 86.27666 [using the nearby site's i.e. Udayagiri coordinates Lat 20.65 Long 86.26666 + arbitrary 0.01 degree N & E to differentiate Khandagiri from Udayagiri. - tmciolek, 12May 2009] - Banyopadhya (2004:73, 76-79)
5. Other known nearby Buddhist monasteries
6. Modern name of the known nearest city, town, or village
7. The settlement's alternative/historical names
- [missing data]
8. The settlement's coordinates
- Approx., Lat 20.7000 Long 86.1167 http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Dhanmandal.html
9. Monastery's major Buddhist tradition
- [missing data]
10. Monastery's Buddhist sub-tradition
- [missing data]
11. Date-early
- 1st century BC - http://orissadiary.com/orissa_tourism/heritage/Khandagiri.asp
MBM chrono-tag: <=0200 - tmciolek 06 Aug 2013
<=0200 dated-e
12. Date-intermediate
- [missing data]
13. Date-late
- [missing data]
14. Details of contacts with other monasteries
- [missing data]
15. Type of evidence regarding the monastery
- [missing data]
16. Additional notes
17. Corrections & addenda to this page were kindly provided by
- [missing data]
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