Q. Which of the following places can be regarded as the largest monastic establishment in Western India (containing 130 caves)?
(a) Karle
(b) Ajanta
(c) Junnair
(d) Kanheri
Ans: (d) Kanheri
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) Kanheri.
Kanheri is the largest monastic establishment in Western India, containing 130 caves. It is located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Mumbai, Maharashtra. The Kanheri Caves are a significant Buddhist site and served as a prominent Buddhist center from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE. The caves were used by Buddhist monks for meditation, study, and living quarters. They contain impressive rock-cut architecture, including prayer halls, viharas (monastic cells), and chaitya halls.
