The exercise of creating a structure by carving it out of the natural rock is known as Rock-cut architecture. In this, the rock that is not part of the structure is removed until the desired structure is obtained. Compared to any other form of rock architecture in the world, Indian rock-cut architecture is more diverse and found in greater abundance (more than 1,500 rock cut structures in India). Moreover, the religious character of Indian Rock-cut architecture is another feature to be noted. The Mauryans excelled in cave architecture and they are considered as the pioneers of rock-cut cave architecture.

Buddhist Influence on Rock-cut Architecture

Buddhism became the dominant religion in the 3rd to 2nd century B.C. There were three characteristic forms of Buddhist architecture which developed around this period - the monumental funerary mound or Stupa, hall of worship or the Chaitya and the monastery or Vihara. Since the Buddhist and Jain Monks usually stayed away from the cities and towns, therefore, Chaityas and Viharas were developed along the hillside.

Chaitya

• Chaityas were places of worship for Buddhist and Jain Monks. It had a rectangular prayer hall with stupa placed at the centre of the hall. Entire Chaitya had three divisions - Central Chaitya and two aisles. Central Chaitya was separated from the two aisles by a row of pillars. Internal walls of Chaityas were polished and the ending of Chaitya was apsidal in shape.

Vihara

• The Viharas or monasteries were excavated near Chaityas for the residence of monks in rainy seasons. The sculptors here depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha. An important point to note here is that Viharas, unlike Chaityas, did not have stupa.

Cave Architecture in India can be divided into 3 different phases

1st phase (2nd B.C. to 2nd Century A.D.)

• In this phase the construction was exclusively related to Buddhism and Buddha was represented symbolically e.g. Lotus, Wheel etc.
• The examples of this phase include Ajanta, Karla, Bhaja, Kanheri, Nasik, Bedsa caves.
• It can be concluded that an important connection existed between the religion and commerce, as Buddhist missionaries often built monasteries (caves) in closer proximity to the major trade routes. Some of the caves were also commissioned by wealthy traders resulting in the interiors of the caves being more elaborate.

2nd phase (5th to 7th century A.D.)

• Buddha was personified and the plan of excavations-specially for chaitya remained the same as before but viharas underwent some changes like an image of Buddha was housed.
• By the 5th century, rock-cut cave temples continued to be built in parallel along with free-standing structural temples.

3rd phase (7th to 10th century A.D.)

• The Buddhist architectural traditions were also extended by Hindus and Jains along with some modifications which were suitable for their rituals.

Some Prominent rock-cut structures of ancient India are :

Badami Cave temples

• Badami (in Northern Karnataka) cave temples are an excellent example of Chalukyan Architecture, which dates back to the 6th century AD and adorns decorative pillars, embellished brackets, intricately carved sculptures and finely chiseled ceiling panels.
• It is a group of four rock-cut cave temples - 3 Brahminical and 1 Jaina. The Jaina cave temple was built around a century later from the earlier temples.

Ellora Caves

• Ellora caves are situated near Aurangabad is a group of 34 caves constructed in between 5th to the 8th centuries A.D during the rule of the Kalachuri, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave temples.

Elephanta Caves

• The cave temples of Elephanta, (a little island off the coast of Bombay) belong to the 8th century A.D and they are in the same style as those of Ellora.
• The Elephanta Caves were originally supposed to be a Buddhist site but later these caves were dominated by the Shaivite faith

Ajanta Caves

• Ajanta (near Aurangabad, Maharashtra) has 29entirely Buddhist caves. They were excavated in the horseshoe curve of a hillside.
• The earliest caves date from 2nd century B.C. while others are of as late as 7th century A.D.