Thread by @nitvyas

This is the story about forgotten buddhist caves in central India. #BaghCaves are situated in Bagh about 170 KM from Indore in #MadhyaPradesh. @MPTourism #buddhisttourism

A group of nine caves carved from sandstone rocks are situated on banks of river Baghini. Over a period of time only 5 caves survived. #BaghCaves

It is believed that these were quarried between 5 to 7 BCE during Satvahana empire. These caves are actually resting place ‘Vihara’ for Buddhist monks. Each cave has a prayer hall and multiple small rooms. #BaghCaves

On the walls one can see carving of statues of Bodhisatwa and others. #buddhisttourism #BaghCaves

Cave 4 known as RangMahal (Palace of Color) has a lot of colorful murals of Bodhisatva Padmapani, flowers, natural resources and various dancers. #MadhyaPradeshTourism #BaghCaves

During my visit I was lucky to meet Mr. Rajendra Prasad Katare, a retired caretaker of this place. Mr Katare told me that restoration efforts started during Jivajirao Scindia rule. He built a rest house near caves. #BaghCaves #MadhyaPradesh

Later @ASIGoI worked on restoration of site, paintings and statues. Mr. Katare and team worked on these under leadership of Mr K S Rana over a period of 17 years. These restored and recreated statues and painting are stored in near by museum. #BaghCaves

One can see the pictures of restoration process and saved paintings in museum. #BaghCaves

Local artisans use Hand-block printing method to create beautiful clothes sarees, bed sheets in silks and cotton. One award winning craftsman is Ismail Sulemanji Khatri, work from his factory 👇#BaghCaves @MPTourism

I wish @MPTourism and @ASIGoI put more efforts to setup enough ecofriendly lighting and informational writeup inside caves for visitors. #BaghCaves #MadhyapradeshTourism.