The correct option is Pitalkhora caves.
Explanation
The Pitalkhora caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, are among the earliest rock-cut Buddhist caves in India. They primarily date back to the 2nd century BCE, flourishing under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty.
Detailed Analysis:
- Pitalkhora Caves: These caves are significant for their early Hinayana phase architecture. An inscription found on a pillar in Cave 4 explicitly records the name of the artisan "Kanha" (a Prakrit form of Krishna). The inscription identifies him as a goldsmith, indicating that craftsmen from various guilds participated in the excavation and carving of these caves. This is a rare instance in early Indian art where the name of a specific artisan is preserved.
- Kondane Caves: Located in Raigad, these are early Buddhist caves known for their wooden-style chaitya arches but do not contain the specific inscription of Kanha.
- Ajanta Caves: Famous for their murals and sculptures spanning the Satavahana and Vakataka-Gupta periods, Ajanta does not house this specific artisan's record.
- Barabar Caves: These are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves (Mauryan period) located in Bihar, associated with the Ajivika sect, and are distinct from the Western Deccan rock-cut tradition.
Key Takeaway: The name of the artisan "Kanha" is recorded in the Pitalkhora caves (Maharashtra), highlighting the role of individual craftsmen and guilds during the Satavahana period.