Cave 3

Badami, 578 AD

Cave 3 is the largest and most elaborate at Badami. According to an inscription, the cave was dedicated in 578 AD by Mangalesha, the brother of King Kirtivarman I (556 - 597). The cave facade is divided by six squared-off columns, beneath which is a frieze of dwarves. The dwarves are presented in small groupings, unlike the continuous frieze on Cave 1.