The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 16, 2026

Caves of Karlie: No. 1, The Approach

1855–62

William Johnson

(British, active India, 1852–1868)
India
albumen print
Paper: 19 x 24.3 cm (7 1/2 x 9 9/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2024.77
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The largest prayer hall in this complex of Buddhist shrines cut into the rock is a sanctuary 124 feet long with a ribbed vault 45 feet high.

Description

This early view of the entrance to the ancient Karlie, or Karla, Caves in Western India shows the site before its restoration, including the monumental entrance pillar topped by a sculpture. Windows cut into the rock provided light inside. The shrines, created between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE, provided sanctuary and shelter for monks but also for travelers and traders.
  • ?–2007
    Kanwardip Gujral Collection, Germany
    2007
    Purchased by Prahlad Bubbar Ltd., London, England
    2007–2024
    Prahlad Bubbar Ltd., London, sold to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    September 9, 2024–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Caves of Karlie: No. 1, The Approach|url=false|author=William Johnson|year=1855–62|access-date=16 March 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2024.77