Raw data
This group of 23 caves is in close proximity to the Nenavli complex in the "Sudhgad division of the Raigad district". All are from the 1st century BCE and were not later re-occupied.
See D.C. Ahir, Buddhist Sites and Shrines in India: History, Art and Architecture (Delhi: Inian Books Centre, 2003) p. 201.
Src: IN
Input by: SG , Apr 2, 2009
"The Caves of Thanale, which are believed to be 2,200 years old, can be reached by a 2 hour trek from Thanale village. The caves encompass an arrangement of about 20-22 halls, each meticulously provided with spaces in the form of benches and reclining platforms. The most aesthetic of the halls, which was once an important congregation center for prayers, features many Stupas. The last vestiges found in one of the caves point to an association with the erstwhile Mauryan dynasty. There are exquisite carvings decorating the ceilings and doors. Khopoli or Karjat are the nearest points where accommodations are available."
http://www.india9.com/i9show/Caves-of-Thanale-43431.htm
Khopoli, India Page
World:India:State of Maharashtra
Latitude 18.7833 Longitude 73.3333
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Khopoli.html
Karjat, India Page
World:India:State of Maharashtra
Latitude 18.9167 Longitude 73.3333
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Karjat2.html
Thanale
Bedse Caves also known as Bedsa Caves are situated in Maval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India.
Location: Sudhagad, 8 km from Nadsur
Distance from major cities: Mumbai - 120 km , Pune - 130 km
Villages at Foothills: Nadsur
Cave Type : Brahmin / Buddhist - Hinayan
Period : 268-227 B.C.
lat=18.568806
lon=73.319149
top Attractions
For the first time punch-marked silver coins of Ashokan period (268-227 B.C.) were found here. May be elder than the Bhaja cave complex, the oldest known. After the decline of Chaul as port during the end of the 5th century, the trade routes altered & this cave complex was rendered desolate & fell into oblivion. It was rediscovered by a missionary J. A. Abbot in January 1890. […] Cave-8 is the only chaitya. Cave-3 is memorial complex consisting of 6 monolith, 2 corner stones & 5 built-up i.e. total 13 stupas. Cave-7 is model for engineering, architecture & grandeur. Vestigies of ancient plastering & paintings are present. Four 'Shree' i.e. 'Laxmi' idols. The 'Siritan' mentioned at Pandavleni, Nashik, most probably refers to this 'Shree-sthan' i.e. Thanale."
http://www.yotreks.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=178
"Thanale Caves - There was a bus from Pali to Thanale Village at 9:45 am. The time was now 8:10 and since the next bus to Thanale Village was around 9:45, we planned to take a bus at 8:30 to Dhondse Phata and then proceed from there to Thanale Village which is around 5 km. From Dhondse Phata, Nadsur Village is around 1 Km. We all reached Nadsur village in just 10 min and then continued further to Thanale Village which is around 4 kms."
http://mistytreks.com/?page_id=103
Final data (and their sources)
Last updated: 20 Jul 2014
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 Thanale monastery, IN.
lat=18.568806 long=73.319149
Mapping & images: Falling Rain Genomics (http://www.fallingrain.com), 2009.
Google Map link:
Final data - explanatory notes
1. Monastery's name
- Thanale monastery
2. Monastery's modern country & province
- India:State of Maharashtra
3. Monastery's alternative/historical names
- Bedse Caves monastery - http://www.yotreks.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=178
- Bedsa Caves monastery - http://www.yotreks.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=178
- Not to be confused with Bedsa monastery, (near) Khamshet, Maharashtra, IN
- Thanala caves - Mitra (1984:96-97)
4. Monastery's lat/long coordinates
- Approx., Lat 18.568806 long 73.319149 - http://www.yotreks.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=178
5. Other known nearby Buddhist monasteries
6. Modern name of the known nearest city, town, or village
- Thanale village
7. The settlement's alternative/historical names
- [missing data]
8. The settlement's coordinates
- Approx., Lat 18.568806 long 73.319149 - http://www.yotreks.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=178
9. Monastery's major Buddhist tradition
- Theravada
10. Monastery's Buddhist sub-tradition
- [missing data]
11. Date-early
- c. 200 Cent BCE.
MBM chrono-tag <=0200 - tmciolek 20 Jul 2014
<=0200 0200-32c 0233-66c 0267-99c 0300-32c 0333-66p dated-el
12. Date-intermediate
- [missing data]
13. Date-late
- c. 400 CE
MBM chrono-tag 0333-66p - tmciolek 20 Jul 2014
14. Details of contacts with other monasteries
- [missing data]
15. Type of evidence regarding the monastery
- archaeological, art historical.
16. Additional notes
- [missing data] (incl. details of the size of the monastic population)
17. Corrections & addenda to this page were kindly provided by
- [missing data]
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