Sitabengra and Jogimara Caves

The Sitabengra and Jogimara Caves, located in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, India, are significant not only for their historical value but also for their unique features and ancient inscriptions.

These caves are believed to date back to around the 3rd century BCE, making them some of the oldest known examples of rock-cut architecture in India. The Sitabengra Cave, often referred to as the larger cave, is notable for its spaciousness and well-constructed arches. The structure suggests that it might have been used as a congregation hall or a shelter for monks and travelers during ancient times.

On the other hand, the Jogimara Cave is famous for its beautiful and ancient paintings. These paintings, though faded over the centuries, offer a glimpse into the artistic expressions of that era. The Jogimara Cave also contains inscriptions in Brahmi script, which provide valuable insights into the social and cultural aspects of life in ancient India.

These inscriptions are believed to be one of the earliest forms of written records in India.

Local tradition holds that these caves were once the abode of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama from the epic Ramayana, which adds a layer of mythical significance to their historical and architectural value.