What Is Rock-Cut Architecture

A style of Rock Art in which a structure is carved out by excavating solid rock is known as rock-cut architecture. The Barabar Caverns, located in the Makhdumpur Division of Jehanabad district in Bihar, are the earliest surviving Indian rock-cut caves. Some of these caves have Ashokan inscriptions dating from the 3rd century BC when the Maurya Empire ruled. These caves, which originate from the time of Ashoka and Dasharatha, speak volumes about the two emperors’ religious tolerance policies, even though they had been both Buddhists. Various Jain sects flourished during their authority, and Ascetics from the Ajivika sect used these caverns.

The most stunning piece of ancient Indian art specimen is a rock-cut building, which holds a key role in the history of Indian architecture. The majority of the rock-cut constructions were linked to different religions and religious activities, and Buddhist monks excavated several caverns for use as prayer and habitation. In many aspects, the rock-cut architecture varies from typical structures. Structures were chiselled out by excavating solid rocks, making them more akin to sculptures than a building.

What Is Rock-Cut Architecture and Its History?

Buildings, structures, and sculptures are created by excavating solid rock, which typically appears in rock-cut architecture. Tombs, temples, and cave homes were the three principal uses of rock-cut architecture. The Barabar caves in Bihar, created about the third century BC, are the world’s oldest rock-cut construction. India suited rock-cut architecture since the country had many rocky mountains, and construction was done by excavating solid rock. Ashoka and his descendant Dasaratha are credited with the first rock-cut caverns.

The majority of them were made of wood. Karla, Nasik, Kanheri, Bedsa, Bhaja, and Ajanta have examples of early Buddhist architecture. In the history of architecture in India, the rock-cut building holds a special place. In many aspects, the rock-cut architecture varies from typical structures. Because structures were cut out of solid rocks, rock-cut art is more akin to sculpture than architecture. Keep reading to learn what rock-cut architecture is and some of the major rock-cut buildings in India.

Some Amazing Rock-Cut Buildings and Architecture of India

1. Masroor Cave Temples, Himachal Pradesh

Masroor Rock Cut Temple, also referred to as the Himalayan Pyramid, is a collection of 15 massive rock-cut monuments. Each one is carved in the classic Indo-Aryan style, unique to India’s northwestern region. Masroor Lake, located near this temple, contains a replica of the temple.

2. Amarnath Temple, Kashmir

When considering cave temples or rock-cut caves in India, one cannot avoid mentioning the Amarnath Temple in Kashmir. In Kashmir, the cave is located at an altitude of 3,888 metres. It is a sacred Hindu temple, and snow capped mountains surround it. Many pilgrims trek to the Amarnath cave across difficult mountainous terrain to see the cave’s naturally formed ice stalagmite, and Hindus consider this ice structure the holy Shivling.

3. Kanheri Caves 

These rock caves are located in Mumbai and belong to the Hinayana architecture phase during the Buddhist reign. It has about 100 caves situated in it. Buddhist sculptures, paintings, relief carvings, and inscriptions date from the 1st century BC to the 10th century AD in these caves. The term “Kanheri” originates from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, which signifies “Black Mountain.”

4. Varaha Cave Temples in Tamil Nadu

Varaha Cave Temples, located in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, is a stunning example of Pallava craftsmanship dating from the 7th century. The monastery temple is one of the most beautiful examples of the Vishwakarma Sthapathis. The cave temple’s most prominent statue is of Lord Vishnu, who took in the form of a Varaha, meaning boar and raised the land from the sea. This temple also has many additional mythological characters etched into it.

5. The Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra

UNESCO has designated the Ajanta Caves as a World Heritage Site. It is a Buddhist Hindu temple made up of 30 Buddhist cave monuments carved out of rock. These caves have incredible sculptures and paintings that are thought to be the best examples of Indian art forms. Every year, many tourists visit this beautiful temple complex.

The Ajanta caves, located in the Maharashtrian city of Jalgaon, are the world’s greatest historical site. Religious artwork and sculptures can be found among the 29 rock-cut cave structures. The Ajanta and Ellora caverns in India are shining examples of hillside rock-cut construction. Bhaja and Karla caverns, Ellora caves, Kanheri caves, and Elephanta caves are some of Maharashtra’s other well-known caves.

6. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

Elephanta Caves are a network of magnificently sculpted caves on Maharashtra’s Elephanta Island. The caverns are divided into two Buddhist caves and five Hindu caves. Beautiful rock-cut stone carvings of Lord Shiva can be seen in Hindu caves. The Elephanta Caves result from a long artistic heritage, but they are also innovative. At the Elephanta Caves, the mix of visual splendour, sculptural art, and responsive Rasas can be seen. The caverns’ overall design incorporates a lot of Hindu spiritualistic beliefs and symbolism.

Conclusion 

The vast area of India remains unexplored. Numerous wild and natural caves in India are buried deep behind the dense forest of uncharted terrains and valleys. Several ancient monasteries, stupas, and temples were destroyed due to various factors. But even after decay and vandalism, cave temples have survived the test of time, owing to their lower visibility and the fact that they were built of more durable materials than wood and masonry. The majority of today’s cave temples, around 1200, are Buddhist temple caves.