Sacred Spaces and Commercial Corridors: Role of Buddhist Caves in Trade

By Advaitaa Verma 

Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions, originated in India in 5 th -6 th century BCE with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautam, later known as Gautam Buddha. It first arose in Magadh in Bihar and later spread to other parts of India, and flourished as a spiritual, philosophical, and cultural movement that shaped Indian society. The spread of Buddhism was not restricted just to Indian borders but spread across Central Asia, China, Southeast Asia, and beyond (Hirakawa, 1993).

Maharashtra holds a significant place in the history of the spread of Buddhism; a state rich in historical and archaeological heritage, is also home to some of the most notable and important Buddhist rock-cut cave complexes in India. During the rule of Satavahanas and Vakatakas, Maharashtra became an important centre of Buddhist learning and culture (Chandra, 1977). Many of these caves are strategically located along the ancient trade routes, which offer unique insights into the intersection of religion, economy, and commerce in early Indian history. The ancient trade routes like the Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha that existed from 3rd century BCE to 6th century CE played a crucial role in shaping the subcontinent’s economic, cultural, and religious landscapes (Chakravarti, 2020). Maharashtra, with its strategic location connecting the Deccan plateau to coastal and northern regions, was a key transit zone in these trade networks. The trade routes facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and religious traditions, particularly
Buddhism, which flourished along these pathways. The ancient trade routes of Maharashtra and Konkan were essential corridors for commerce, connecting urban centers like Pratishthana (modern Paithan) and Junnar to major ports such as Sopara and Chaul (Chandra, 1977). These routes, frequented by merchants, artisans, and pilgrims, passed through the Western Ghats, where numerous Buddhist monastic sites were established. The symbiotic relationship between Buddhist monastic institutions and trade is evident in the architectural patronage, inscriptions, and artistic influences found within these caves, which reflect cross-cultural interactions and economic exchanges. This article explores the significance of Buddhist rock-cut caves in relation to trade and its impact on the economic activity during that time.

Key Buddhist Caves and their Trade Connections
The Deccan region was a crucial hub of trade routes that connected the ports of western India with inland centers and further extended towards northern and southern India. These routes facilitated the movement of goods such as textiles, precious stones, spices, and metals. Buddhist monasteries along these routes provided shelter and spiritual sustenance to traders and pilgrims, thereby encouraging commerce and fostering economic prosperity. The caves, often supported by merchant guilds and rulers, played an essential role in maintaining these routes and ensuring the safe passage of goods and travelers (Chandra, 1977). Some of the key Buddhist caves are as follows:
● Bhaja: these caves are located near Lonavala, date back to 2nd century BCE and are among the earliest rock-cut Buddhist sites in India. The caves are positioned near the ancient trade route linking the Arabian sea coast to the Deccan plateau, and was a vital rest stop for pilgrims as well as traders. There are a total of 22 caves in this group, each cave had chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monastic dwellings); with inscriptions which mention patronage from traders and elite individuals. The traders or merchants used these caves as a rest stop, the caves being located at such strategic locations helped in propagation of Buddhism and its teachings.
● Bedse: situated close to Bhaja and Karla, they are a little less talked about but are equally important. The caves are dated to 1st century BCE, feature a chaitya-griha with well- carved pillars and stupas, reflecting early Buddhist rock-cut architecture. Bedse was strategically positioned along trade routes and likely served as a place of rest and
religious instruction for traveling merchants.
● Karle Caves: One of the grandest Buddhist cave complexes in Maharashtra, the Karle caves were constructed in phases between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE. The grandeur of Karle's chaitya (prayer hall) and vihara (monastic quarters) suggests patronage from wealthy traders, particularly those associated with the silk, spice, and textile trade. Karle was situated on the major trade route connecting the coastal ports to inland markets, making it a bustling center of economic and religious activity. Inscriptions at Karle indicate that donors included merchants, guilds, and even local rulers, highlighting the economic significance of these caves.
● Ajanta Caves: Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, consists of 30 rock-cut caves dated between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE. These caves, adorned with elaborate frescoes and sculptures, were major centers of Buddhist learning and artistic expression. Located near trade routes connecting the northern and southern regions of India, Ajanta thrived as a prominent monastic and commercial hub. The murals within Ajanta depict scenes of trade, courtly life, and religious themes, reflecting the intertwined nature of commerce and Buddhism.

● Naneghat Pass: Naneghat, an ancient mountain pass in the Western Ghats, was a crucial trade link between the Konkan coast and the Deccan plateau. Unlike the other caves, Naneghat is best known for its rock inscriptions left by the Satavahana rulers, detailing donations made to Buddhist monks. The inscriptions mention Queen Naganika, who played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and supporting Buddhist establishments. The caves here provided shelter for traders crossing the difficult terrain and played a role in maintaining economic exchanges between coastal and inland regions. Naneghat's importance as a trade route is further highlighted by the presence of toll-collecting
inscriptions, indicating the region's economic significance (Singh, 2018).

The Impact of Buddhist Caves on Trade
The Buddhist caves along Maharashtra’s trade routes played a multifaceted role in shaping the region’s economy and religious landscape of ancient and medieval societies. Buddhist rock-cut caves were not only centers of monastic life and religious devotion, but also played a crucial role in facilitating trade networks and also contributing to the economy of the society. These caves are often strategically located along major trade routes such as Grand Trunk Road, serving the purpose of caravanserais, rest stops, commercial hubs for pilgrims, merchants, and travellers.
This led to fostering a reciprocal relationship that sustained both religious and commerce propagation (Rees, 2021).
● Centers of Patronage and Economic Support: Wealthy traders, ruling dynasties, and merchant guilds heavily funded these monastic complexes. Their donations ensured the maintenance and expansion of the caves, which, in turn, facilitated trade by providing infrastructure for travelers. These financial contributions also supported the artisans, laborers, and monks who lived and worked in these cave complexes, fostering a thriving
local economy.
● Resting Stations and Safe Havens for Traders: Long trade routes often involved arduous journeys through rough terrains and unpredictable weather conditions. The Buddhist caves, situated at key locations along these routes, provided traders with safe lodging, food, and spiritual solace. This network of resting places enabled trade to
flourish, ensuring that goods and merchants reached their destinations efficiently and safely (Chandra, 1977).

● Spread of Cultural and Religious Influence: The presence of Buddhist caves along trade routes contributed to the dissemination of Buddhist ideology, art, and culture. Merchants traveling these routes often carried Buddhist scriptures, images, and artistic motifs, leading to the exchange of religious ideas between different regions. This cultural transmission played a key role in the spread of Buddhism across India and beyond, particularly to Southeast Asia and Central Asia (Chakravarti, 2020)).
● Facilitating Economic Integration and Urban Development: Many of the cave sites developed into prominent economic hubs due to the influx of traders, pilgrims, and monks. The financial resources generated from trade transactions contributed to the development of nearby towns and marketplaces. Additionally, the presence of a well- organized monastic institution encouraged economic stability, as monks often mediated disputes, regulated trade practices, and managed financial resources (Rees, 2021).
● Role in Maritime and Inland Trade Networks: The caves at Karle, Bhaja, and Naneghat were strategically positioned near both coastal and inland trade routes. Karle, in particular, played a pivotal role in connecting the Arabian Sea’s maritime trade network with the Deccan's interior markets. Traders from distant regions such as the Roman Empire, Persia, and Southeast Asia frequented these routes, leading to the exchange of foreign goods, coins, and ideas. This international dimension of trade further amplified the economic significance of these cave sites (Rees, 2021).

The study of Buddhist caves and ancient trade routes offers critical insights into the link between religion, commerce, and cross-cultural exchange. These monastic complexes were not hidden and quiet spiritual shelters but rather vibrant, economic, and social centers that thrived through their strategic placement along the trade corridors. The Buddhist cave complexes of Maharashtra and Konkan played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of ancient India. These caves, including Karla, Bhaja, Bedse, Ajanta, and Naneghat, were strategically located
along key trade routes connecting the Deccan plateau with the western coast (Chakravarti, 2020). The flourishing maritime and overland trade networks facilitated cultural exchange, economic prosperity, and the spread of Buddhism. The impact of Buddhist caves on trade was profound, shaping economic landscapes and fostering intercultural exchanges. The positioning of these caves along these routes was not coincidental but rather a deliberate effort to cater to traders and provide them with spiritual solace and refuge. The Buddhist rock-cut caves were not made just for religious purposes but also served as dynamic spaces, where commerce, art, and faith were interlinked. Despite their significance, the role of Buddhist caves in trade has been understudied in comparison to other religious and economic institutions. The patronage from traders, the strategic positioning of these caves, and
the role of monasteries in trade-related activities all underscore the significance of these sites in the broader economic history of India. By fostering commercial exchange and cultural interactions, these caves contributed to the prosperity of the region and the spread of Buddhist ideals across the Indian subcontinent and beyond (Rees, 2021).

References
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Hirakawa, A., 1993. A History of Indian Buddhism: From Śākyamuni to Early Mahāyāna (No. 19). Motilal Banarsidass Publication
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Singh, R.K., 2018. Rock-Cut Architecture of Western India. History Today: The Journal of Indian History and Culture Society, 19, pp.216-31.