A cave ... it brings  forth an imagery of   a grotto, a cavity, a hollow in a rock face, on a hill slope or a mountain .   A cavern, providing shelter to the seeker, be it man or animal. Natural, or man made.  And if man-made, then it has been deliberately  carved out of the rock surface.


'Excavation'. Had always associated the term with archaeology and hence with the  discovery and unearthing of a hitherto forgotten or a buried -  underground kind of a site.

It was  in  my  Mythology class that  I learnt, "A cave is never  'carved 'out, it is always 'excavated'.

That course in mythology, it brought about a new awareness in understanding and appreciating architecture and sculpture..of  temples, temple  facades and  caves. 

The course also introduced me to a new literature, authors and scholars , Dr Suraj Pandit, being one of them.   No, he did not engage a lecture  with us, but the  awe and respect with which his name was uttered amongst the 'Jaaankaars' and seniors in our department, I already held him in  great esteem, without having met him or seen him ever.

The group I was associated with in those 2 yrs at Sanskrit Bhavan at the Mumbai University, was an eclectic one. These were folks  who came from  varied backgrounds, had  varied interests and  they pursued  these with earnestness..  My interactions with them broadened my horizons and I learnt of avenues, study courses and programmes I would never have  known of,  otherwise.

One such programme was the 3 day Site Seminar held at Kanheri each year, and led by none other than Dr Suraj Pandit.


Being a blue blooded Bambaiyya, I had known of the many heritage sights nestled in the city, of course. Some, I had visited...most, I had relegated to  my bucket list.   I do tackle  the bucket list with a vengeance, once in a while.

It was only this year that things fell in place for me and I was able to register myself for the Kanheri site seminar.  The seminar was conducted from the 4th to the 6th of November. , and I can forcefully say, it  has been   an experience to be cherished for life.


Kamheri was introduced to us   , by Dr Suraj Pandit.   He is extremely  passionate about Kanheri.      He owns it by virtue of his knowledge,  his  love for every bit of rock excavated and carved out there.  He is an authority on the subject  and is one who is equally enthusiastic about sharing his passion with you...By the end of the seminar, Kanheri then becomes  yours , as much as it is his.

Unselfishly sharing your wealth of knowledge ,  withholding nothing, emptying all  into the eager palms of seekers,  are the marks of a good teacher . Enabling the seeker to savor your experience with the same intensity, zeal and fervour,  is what makes a good teacher.  Dr Pandit and his team are all this and  more.

Kanheri is a  group of caves,  a cave complex, situated inside the Sanjay Gandhi Naitonal Park at Borivali (E) in Mumbai.  From the main gate of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park situated off the Western Express Highway at Borivali (E), it is a 7 km drive upto Kanheri. The caves at Kanheri have been excavated at different levels across the three hillocks there.

The monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

One can take their own vehicle inside the Park,  or avail of the bus service or the private taxis plying inside,  all for a fee.    The drive to Kanheri from inside the National Park is one which pleases the senses.  Greenery abounds in plenty.


 Who excavated those caves?  Why?  When?  How did the inhabitants of the caves live , centuries ago? How did they survive, thrive?  How do you interpret  and understand the structures there?       How do you bring to life the now desolate rocky landscape?   How do you recreate the times and lives of the the people who once resided there? How do you understand their culture and philosophy ? The sects within the religion and their interaction, how does one get an insight into this.....All this and much more was what was discussed and shared in the three days that we were there at the Kanheri Site Seminar.



The Kanheri caves are Buddhist caves.  Kanheri was an important Buddhist religious centre in its times.   The caves can be dated to 2nd C AD.  Kanheri reached its golden period and then saw its downfall by the 11th c AD.


What is a Chaitya.   What is a stupa?  How were the cave excavated.  Who actually excavated the,.  Who paid for it.  Who designed it