Raw data
This site is located in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan and consists of 45 caves, most of them monasteries. The architecture suggests early occupation (perhaps 1st century CE) but also excavations in the eighth century CE. There are other Buddhist remains at nearby Vinayaga and Hathiagar.
See D.C. Ahir, Buddhist Sites and Shrines in India: History, Art and Architecture (Delhi: Inian Books Centre, 2003) p.232 -233.
Src: IN
Input by: SG , Apr 3, 2009
"At Kholvi in the Jhalawar State is a series of rock-cut temples, interesting as being probably the most modern group of Buddhist caves in India; they are believed to date from A. D. 700 to 900." Imperial Gazetter of India, Volume 21, page 103
http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/text.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V21_109.gif
"At Kholvi, not far from Uhumnar [i.e. Dhamnar - tmc], is the most modern group of Buddhist caves in India. One called Arjun's house is a highly ornamented dagoba. Inside is a cross-legged seated figure of Buddha. The only excavation here is a chaitya hall 26 feet by 18 feet."
http://ibrary.britishcouncil.org.in/IndiaCollections/CyclopediaOfIndiaVol1-C(Part2).pdf
"A similar series of caves is situated at Poladongar near Garot, and others are found at Kholvi, Awar, and Benaiga in Jhalawar and at Hatigaon and Ramagaon in Tonk, all within a radius of 20 miles."
[A. Cunningham, Archaeological Survey of India, VOL ii, p. 270. Imperial Gazetteer of India, Volume 11, page 283
http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/text.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V11_289.gif
Awar, India Page
World:India:State of Rajasthan
Lat 24.1333 Long 75.8667
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/24/Awar.html
Input by: tmciolek, Dec 5, 2009
"The rock-cut monasteries of Kolvi, Vinayaka, Gunai and Hathyagod in Jhalawar district in south-east Rajasthan may be attributed to the post Ashoka period, when Buddhism enjoyed royal support in this region. […] The Buddhist monasteries of Kolvi, Vinayaka, Gunai and Hathyagod have excellent approach roads and may be conveniently reached from Bhawanimandi or Ramganjmandi, which are two important halts on Delhi – Mumbai railway line. Most of the important superfast trains stop at these stations. The road links are available from Kota and Jhalawar. […] KOLVI – The hillock of Kolvi stands a little detached from the main road and as one turns on the red gravel road leading to the monastery, he finds himself in the auspicious presence of Lord Buddha. The exhilaration of being in a holy place increases with each step, while ascending the stairs to reach the top of the hillock. The first bell shaped structure is a temple, well decorated with auspicious symbols in relief. The Buddha idols in sitting as well as standing poses have been placed in the stupa shaped temples, some large and some small. The bell shaped stupas with Buddha idols in different poses, engraved in relief, are scattered all over the monastery. One may find the ruins of over 64 living quarters for the monks, conference and meditation halls, but presently 45 rock-cut structures are safe after the ravages of time. There are even double storeyed living quarters, carved in the hillock, which are marvels of rock-cut architecture. Some of the meditation halls have floor to ceiling stupas in the center to facilitate circumambulation, which is a ritual oft repeated by the devotees to pay their obeisance to the Lord. The hand carved windows, Jharokhas, and the rock beds provide few comforts to the monks, who are otherwise tuned to live a very austere life."
http://www.cygnusadventuretours.com/Buddhist_Photo.htm
Input by: tmciolek, Jun 4, 2010
Final data (and their sources)
Lat/Long coordinates' accuracy:
The monastery in question is assumed to be situated actually no farther than 20 km from the point defined by the coordinates below.
General location of the Kholvi monastery, IN.
Lat 24.1333 Long 75.8667
Mapping & images: Falling Rain Genomics (http://maps.fallingrain.com), 2009.
Google Map link:
Final data - explanatory notes
1. Monastery's name
- Kholvi monastery
2. Monastery's modern country & province
- India:State of Rajasthan
3. Monastery's alternative/historical names
final data ….
4. Monastery's lat/long coordinates
- Approx., Lat 24.1333 Long 75.8667 http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/24/Awar.html
5. Other known nearby Buddhist monasteries
- Vinayaka
- Hathiagar
- Dhamnar
- Poladongar near Garot,
- Benaiga in Jhalawar
- Hatigaon in Tonk
- Ramagaon in Tonk
- Hathyagod
6. Modern name of the known nearest city, town, or village
7. The settlement's alternative/historical names
final data ….
8. The settlement's coordinates
- Exactly, Lat 24.1333 Long 75.8667 http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/24/Awar.html
9. Monastery's major Buddhist tradition
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10. Monastery's Buddhist sub-tradition
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11. Date-early
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12. Date-intermediate
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13. Date-late
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14. Details of contacts with other monasteries
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15. Type of evidence regarding the monastery
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16. Additional notes
- Ruins of over 64 living quarters for the monks, conference and meditation halls - http://www.cygnusadventuretours.com/Buddhist_Photo.htm
17. Corrections & addenda to this page were kindly provided by
final data ….
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