6 - Rock Cut Architecture Flashcards
What is Indian rock-cut architecture?
- continous practice from Maurya period 300 BCE to 1100 CE
- 3 waves:
1st wave: 200 BC-300 CE
2nd wave: Gupta period (400-600 CE)
3rd wave Medival 600-1100 CE
Which cave is associated with the Maurya Empire and dates to around 250 BC?
Lomasa Rishi cave, located in Bihar (Barabar Hills cave).
Asoka (270 BCE)
Ajivikas (anothe Sramana movement)
What is the significance of the Bhaja caves in Maharashtra?
The Bhaja caves are from the Śunga period (2nd-1st century BC) and contain important rock-cut architecture such as the Caitya hall.
What is a Caitya hall?
A Caitya hall is a Buddhist architectural feature with a stupa at one end, commonly used for prayer and meditation.
What is a Vihara?
A Vihara is a Buddhist monastic complex or residence. The Bhaja Vihara dates from the 2nd century BCE.
Which script is associated with Indian rock-cut architecture during the Śunga period?
The Brāhmī script, a Middle Indic language.
They often pay hommage to arhats.
What are the Pitalkhora caves known for?
The Pitalkhora caves in Maharashtra, dating to the 2nd century BCE, belong to the Śunga period and are significant examples of early rock-cut architecture.
Which period is associated with the Bedsa caves?
The Bedsa caves, with their Caitya hall, date back to the 1st century CE and belong to the Satavahana period (late 2nd century BC to early 3rd century CE).
What role did King Ashoka play in the development of rock-cut architecture?
King Ashoka (273-232 BC) contributed to the spread of rock-cut architecture, particularly during the Maurya Empire, and promoted Buddhism.
What significant feature can be found in the Bhaja caves?
The Bhaja caves feature an early example of a Caitya hall, along with other architectural elements from the Śunga period.
What period do the Bedsa caves in Maharashtra belong to?
The Satavahana period (late 2nd century BC to early 3rd century CE).
What significant architectural feature can be found in the Bedsa caves?
The Bedsa caves contain a Caitya hall and a Vihara (monastery) from the 1st century CE.
What is the name of the cave associated with the ‘Yavana Vihara’ in Maharashtra?
The Nasik caves, dating to the 1st and early 2nd century CE during the Satavahana period.
What notable inscription is associated with the Nasik caves?
The gift of Indragnidatta, son of Dhammadeva, a northerner from Demetriapolis (year 120 CE).
Which architectural style is found in the Karla caves of Maharashtra?
The Karla caves contain a Caitya hall and date to the 1st to 2nd century CE, during the Satavahana period.
What feature is seen in the Karla caves relating to mythology?
The Karla caves feature mithuna (couple) imagery.
Which caves in Maharashtra are associated with the creation of a major Buddhist site?
The Kanheri caves, dating to the 1st-2nd century CE, are a significant Buddhist site from the Satavahana period.
Gupta sculptures
