Austhor Caves

Austhor Caves (औस्थोर गुफाएं) are a group of rock-cut caves near Junnar, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Overview

The Austhor Caves are a lesser-known group of Buddhist rock-cut caves located near Junnar in the Sahyadri hills. They date from the Satavahana period and served as a Buddhist monastery.

History and Legend

The caves were carved during the early centuries CE and are part of the larger cluster of cave sites in the Junnar region, which includes the Lenyadri, Shirwal, and Naneghat caves. The caves served as a retreat for Buddhist monks.

Architecture and Features

The caves include viharas with pillared halls and chaityas. The basalt rock-cut architecture is typical of the Deccan Buddhist caves. The caves are less elaborate than the nearby Lenyadri (Ganesh Leni) caves but are of archaeological significance.

Modern Status

The caves are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and are of interest to archaeologists and heritage enthusiasts.

Verification Notes

• Austhor Caves documented as Satavahana-period Buddhist caves near Junnar; ASI protected.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).