A team of heritage explorers has identified a cluster of 9th-century Rashtrakuta rock-cut sanctuaries deep within the forests of Nanded, Maharashtra. These shrines, carved directly into the basalt cliffs, feature rare iconographic depictions of Shiva as Lakulisha. The discovery expands the known geographical footprint of the Rashtrakuta Empire's cave-building activities beyond the famous sites of Ellora and Elephanta.
The caves include a large assembly hall with monolithic pillars and several smaller cells meant for ascetic meditation. Intriguingly, the walls contain faded mural remnants that suggest the interiors were once brightly painted with mineral pigments. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been alerted to document the site and provide protection against illegal treasure hunters who have recently disturbed the surrounding forest floor.