Caves In India

Chattisgarh Jogimara Caves

These beautiful caves are one of the most precious ancient treasures of India. These beautiful caves are situated at Amarnatha near the region of Narmada in Sarguja, Chattisgarh. These caves have glorious history. It was considered the dressing room for actresses of the drama that was performed in the SitaBengra, an ancient theatre. Every year, thousands of travellers from India’s every corner come here to discover the beauty of these caves. These caves are world famous since 1874. There were many archaeological groups from different parts of the world came to discover the rich history of these caves. Today, many foreign tourists come to the Jogimara Caves.

Architecture

It is just a small artificially carved rock chamber. The cave is dry and has a wide entrance. The environment of the cave is discrete. Though, the cave is small but is the goldmine of understanding the rich culture of India with various inscriptions of emotions, bravery and love. There are several love messages in Prakrit language.

Painting

Apart from inscriptions, there are paintings on the Circa 1st century BC walls and ceiling of the cave. Some of them have been faded with times and some are well preserved. Some paints of the cave are attractive and some seem incomplete. Painting was done in two layers – some were done by expert painters and some by novice painters. At the beginning of the cave, travellers can explore 7 rich quality paintings of fish, elephant and human. The painting seems to be depicted on a dance group at that time. Each painting has a red outline. Black, yellow, white and red colours were used to make beautiful paintings.

History

Jogimara caves are more than 2,300 years old. They are known as one of the oldest theatres in the world. It is also known as an ancient love story. These caves were resting place for girls (perhaps actresses who participated in the dramas enacted in the Sitabenga cave). There is a five-line inscription which can be translated “Sutanuka by name, a devadasi (referred to an actress)”. She was an attractive woman. Devadinna by name, the rupadaksha, loved her. The inscription of the cave can be interpreted in 2 different ways. The first interpretation is related to emotion and bravery whereas the second one connects with the realistic world. Both the Sitabenga and Jogimara caves have Prakrit language inscriptions, engraved in Brahmi letters of the 3rd century era.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport of Surguja is Raipur. There are various flight routes to reach to this beautiful destination. Travellers can take direct flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhopal and Khajuraho to Raipur.

By Train

The train journey is convenient. There are several trains (local and sleeper) available from Ambikapur to Surguja. Reach Raigarh from Kolkata by train from where travellers can hire a taxi or travel by bus to reach the Jogimara cave which is near about 250 km away from Raigarh.

By Road

There are several bus, tax and car services available to reach Surguja from Raigarh and Raipur. Some major distance :Raipur to Ambikapur (358 Kms), Raigarh to Ambikapur (210 kms), Varansi (UP) to Ambikapur (350 km).

Cave Timings & Charges

Timings

It is opened for traveller from 9:00 to till 17:00 everyday.

Photo Gallery