Rock Cut Architecture

There are various architectural styles and aesthetics in the world, but perhaps the rock-cut architectural style is the oldest to humanity. As the name suggests, rock cut architecture refers to the practice of creating structures and buildings out of solid rock through excavating. Rock architecture is broadly divided into temples, cave dwellings, and tombs.

In India, all of these categories of rock architecture are present. Rock architecture is more abundant in India than in any other country in the world. So, this style and aesthetic of architecture are vital to learning the architectural heritage of India.

Aspirants can find information on the structure and other important details related to the IAS Exam, in the linked article.

History of Indian Rock Cut Architecture

The practice of such architecture is mainly religious in India, resulting in more than 1500 known structures. In these structures, the stone is often carved with extraordinary precision and generally depicts some type of important artwork. This feature makes these structures so valuable and insightful. Historically, the designs for these rock structures were derived from earlier wood carvings by artisans.

Natural caves are the earliest examples of this type of architecture in India. Caves were historically used for shrines and shelters. The Bhimbetka rock shelter in Madhya Pradesh is one primary example of this. However, the actual development of rock architecture in India began in circa 3rd century BCE. The Barabar caves were a key example.

IAS aspirants can also read about Cave Architecture in Ancient India at the linked article.

Western India Rock Cut Architecture UPSC

The artificial caves located in Western India contribute a lot to the state of traditional rock architecture in the country. So, candidates are advised to learn more about this for their upcoming UPSC exam. Artificial caves in India have a very sacred notion, considering that almost all of them consist of important religious carvings and texts. Right after the fall of the Mauryan Empire in the 2nd century BCE, artificial cave carvings shifted primarily to the western region of India. As a result, Buddhism and Jainism practices greatly influenced rock architecture.

Another vital piece of information on rock architecture for the UPSC 2022 examination is that a large number of cave temples and stupas have been demolished and destroyed throughout the ages. However, a large number of cave temples are still intact. There are an estimated 1200 cave temples in India, primarily Buddhist temples. Artificial caves, however, began to be constructed less after the 2nd century CE. Instead, monolithic rock temples began to gain prominence.

Also, refer to the following links in line with the UPSC Syllabus in relevance to history and art and culture:

Monoliths

The rock cut architecture in India UPSC preparation is incomplete without a reference to monolithic rock structures that became really prevalent at the turn of the 6th century. It was the Pallava dynasty whose architects started the tradition of monolithic rock carving. The architects used to carve the rock for creating structural temples, and the carving was done primarily on granite.

The Kailash temple at the Ellora caves is one key example of a monolithic rock structure. It was created from one single cliff rock through skillful excavation. Free-standing rock temples began to gain prominence simultaneous to the monolithic temples.

List of Some Important Indian Rock Monuments for IAS Preparation

• Some of the most prominent architecture (rock-cut) monuments in India are:
• Aurangabad Caves
• Badami Cave Temples
• Kanheri Caves
• Pancha Rathas
• Pitalkhora
• Kazhuku Malai
• Ramatheertham
• Varaha Cave Temple
• Bagh Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Pandavleni Caves

The topic, as discussed, is important for candidates eyeing the IAS exam this year. They should know the topic by heart to ensure they get a good position in the exam.

Aspirants can visit the linked article and get details about the upcoming government exams that comprise current affairs and general awareness as an important topic in the syllabus.

Furthermore, to get the latest competitive exam updates, study material and preparation tips, visit BYJU’S.