{"id":8017,"date":"2023-04-26T12:14:59","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T12:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=8017"},"modified":"2024-01-13T05:53:58","modified_gmt":"2024-01-13T05:53:58","slug":"rock-cut-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Rock-Cut Architecture &#8211; UPSC Indian Art &#038; Culture Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>Rock &#8211; cut architecture involves <strong>excavating solid rock<\/strong> in its natural setting to <strong>create structures, buildings<\/strong>, and <strong>sculptures<\/strong>. The primary applications of this technique are for constructing <strong>temples<\/strong>, <strong>tombs<\/strong>, and <strong>cave dwellings<\/strong>. The <strong>oldest known example of rock-cut architecture<\/strong> is the<strong> Barabar Caves<\/strong> in Bihar, which date back to the <strong>3rd century BC<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the abundance of rocky mountains in India, rock-cut architecture was particularly well-suited for the region. Structures hewn from stone were known for their durability, making them an ideal choice for construction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e6d3659dd76\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e6d3659dd76\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Evolution_of_rock-cut_architecture_in_India\" title=\"Evolution of rock-cut architecture in India&nbsp;\">Evolution of rock-cut architecture in India&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Important_rock-cut_caves\" title=\"Important rock-cut caves&nbsp;\">Important rock-cut caves&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Kanheri_caves\" title=\"Kanheri caves&nbsp;\">Kanheri caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Jogeshwari_caves\" title=\"Jogeshwari caves&nbsp;\">Jogeshwari caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Montpezir\" title=\"Montpezir&nbsp;\">Montpezir&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Karla_caves\" title=\"Karla caves&nbsp;\">Karla caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Bhaja_caves\" title=\"Bhaja caves&nbsp;\">Bhaja caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Bedsa_caves\" title=\"Bedsa caves&nbsp;\">Bedsa caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Ellora_caves\" title=\"Ellora caves&nbsp;\">Ellora caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Ajanta_caves\" title=\"Ajanta caves&nbsp;\">Ajanta caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Elephanta_caves\" title=\"Elephanta caves&nbsp;\">Elephanta caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Udaygiri_caves\" title=\"Udaygiri caves&nbsp;\">Udaygiri caves&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#The_Contribution_of_Pallavas_to_Rock-cut_Architecture\" title=\"The Contribution of Pallavas to Rock-cut Architecture&nbsp;\">The Contribution of Pallavas to Rock-cut Architecture&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Comparison_of_art_found_at_Ellora_and_Mahabalipuram\" title=\"Comparison of art found at Ellora and Mahabalipuram&nbsp;\">Comparison of art found at Ellora and Mahabalipuram&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Stylistic_Similarities\" title=\"Stylistic Similarities&nbsp;\">Stylistic Similarities&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Q1_What_are_the_rock-cut_temples_of_Mahabalipuram\" title=\"Q1: What are the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram?\">Q1: What are the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Q2_Where_can_I_find_Rock_Cut_Temples_in_India\" title=\"Q2: Where can I find Rock Cut Temples in India?\">Q2: Where can I find Rock Cut Temples in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Q3_How_does_rock-cut_architecture_represent_UPSC\" title=\"Q3: How does rock-cut architecture represent UPSC?\">Q3: How does rock-cut architecture represent UPSC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Q4_What_is_the_meaning_of_%E2%80%9Crock-cut_caves%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Q4: What is the meaning of &#8220;rock-cut caves&#8221;?\">Q4: What is the meaning of &#8220;rock-cut caves&#8221;?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#Q5_What_is_the_purpose_of_rock-cut_caves\" title=\"Q5: What is the purpose of rock-cut caves?\">Q5: What is the purpose of rock-cut caves?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/rock-cut-architecture\/#For_Admissions_talk_to_our_Mentor_%E2%80%93_9811333901_9811333782\" title=\"For Admissions, talk to our Mentor &#8211; 9811333901, 9811333782\">For Admissions, talk to our Mentor &#8211; 9811333901, 9811333782<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evolution_of_rock-cut_architecture_in_India\"><\/span>Evolution of rock-cut architecture in India&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ashoka <\/strong>and his grandson <strong>Dasaratha <\/strong>are credited with <strong>creating the earliest rock-cut caves<\/strong>. The period of early Buddhist architecture spans from the <strong>2nd century BC<\/strong> to the <strong>2nd century AD<\/strong> and is characterized by structures made <strong>mostly of wood<\/strong>, such as the <strong>chaitya <\/strong>and <strong>viharas<\/strong>. Examples of this architecture can still be viewed at <strong>Karla<\/strong>, <strong>Kanheri<\/strong>, <strong>Nasik<\/strong>, <strong>Bhaja<\/strong>, <strong>Bedsa<\/strong>, and <strong>Ajanta<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"552\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/SjVAWVd3mtkSMuPMIbUoHTwWamOs5CCE4tlQlG4F.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8018\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The<strong> second phase <\/strong>of rock-cut architecture began in the <strong>5th century AD<\/strong>, marked by the <strong>abandonment of timber<\/strong> and the <strong>introduction of Buddha images<\/strong> as a prominent architectural element. During this phase, <strong>viharas <\/strong>underwent a slight modification in which the inner cells, previously inhabited only by monks, were now also home to Buddha images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The subsequent and most influential phase of rock-cut architecture is the <strong>Dravidian rock-cut style<\/strong>, characterized by the <strong>mandapa <\/strong>and <strong>ratha<\/strong>. A mandapa is an open pavilion excavated from rock and typically takes the form of a <strong>simple columned hall<\/strong> with two or more cells at the back wall. A <strong>ratha <\/strong>is a <strong>monolithic shrine carved from a single rock<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_rock-cut_caves\"><\/span>Important rock-cut caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A few Rock-cut caves and features have been given below. These are important in the exam point of view.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kanheri_caves\"><\/span>Kanheri caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>They are located near Mumbai.<\/li><li>They cover the period from <strong>2nd to 9th century AD<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They belong to the <strong>Hinayana phase<\/strong> of <strong>Buddhist architecture<\/strong>.<\/li><li>However, <strong>additions <\/strong>were made when <strong>Mahayana Buddhism<\/strong> was gaining ground. Ex: <strong>5th-century image of Buddha<\/strong>.<\/li><li>It has around <strong>100 caves<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"Kanheri Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8019 lazyload\" width=\"511\" height=\"511\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-1170x1170.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-585x585.png 585w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC-120x120.png 120w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pRUyotxRp2KWPabnMiTwPF0IVxUFCVptlsSVfycC.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 511px) 100vw, 511px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 511px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 511\/511;\" \/><figcaption>Kanheri Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jogeshwari_caves\"><\/span>Jogeshwari caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>These caves are located within the island of <strong>Salsette<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They belong to the <strong>last stages<\/strong> of <strong>Mahayana Buddhism<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Brahmanical shrines are also found here.<\/li><li>They belong to the <strong>second half<\/strong> of the <strong>8th century<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/oiqoApE1D7HdTt86wphPEqsdmA3pRwaO7bqc9BQY.png\" alt=\"Jogeshwari Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8020 lazyload\" width=\"496\" height=\"356\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/oiqoApE1D7HdTt86wphPEqsdmA3pRwaO7bqc9BQY.png 670w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/oiqoApE1D7HdTt86wphPEqsdmA3pRwaO7bqc9BQY-585x420.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 496px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 496\/356;\" \/><figcaption>Jogeshwari Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Montpezir\"><\/span>Montpezir&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is also called Mandapeswar caves. It is situated near Mumbai.<\/li><li>The caves are situated in Mount Poinsur, Borivali, a suburb of Mumbai. Originally, the caves were on the banks of the Dahisar River but later the course of the river changed.<\/li><li>They are the only Brahmanical caves to be converted into a Christian shrine.<\/li><li>It has three caves which are dated to the <strong>8th century<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Karla_caves\"><\/span>Karla caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Karla Caves are located in Banaghta Hills near Mumbai.<\/li><li>It belongs to the Hinayana period of Buddhist architecture.<\/li><li>The chaitya here is among the largest and the best preserved in the country.<\/li><li>Many traders and Satavahana rulers made grants for the construction of these caves.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The main cave called the <strong>Great Chaitya cave<\/strong>, or <strong>Cave No.8<\/strong>, features a large, intricately <strong>carved chaitya<\/strong>, or <strong>prayer hall<\/strong>, dating back to <strong>120 CE<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/c24G1o45zQdio3qM3xb36gh3E1nu5kdXSUSX0ayJ-1024x1001.png\" alt=\"Karla Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8021 lazyload\" width=\"-186\" height=\"-181\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: -186px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: -186\/-181;\" \/><figcaption>Karla Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhaja_caves\"><\/span>Bhaja caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is located near <strong>Pune<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They are believed to be excavated in the <strong>2nd century BC<\/strong>.<\/li><li>It belongs to the <strong>Hinayana Buddhism<\/strong> <strong>sect <\/strong>in Maharashtra.<\/li><li>These caves are notable for their indications of the awareness of wooden architecture.<\/li><li>The carvings prove that the <strong>tabla <\/strong>\u2013 <strong>a percussion instrument<\/strong> \u2013 was used in India for at least 2300 years.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bedsa_caves\"><\/span>Bedsa caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is located near <strong>Pune<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The <strong>Chaitya <\/strong>resembles the <strong>great hall at Karle<\/strong> but is <strong>smaller<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>It has <strong>four pillars<\/strong> with <strong>carvings of horses<\/strong>, <strong>bulls,<\/strong> and elephants mounted by male and female riders.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-prelims-notes-free-download\/ncert-notes\/constitutional-development\/99600\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/edukemy-Resources.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21854 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/edukemy-Resources.png 1920w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/edukemy-Resources-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/edukemy-Resources-1170x658.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/edukemy-Resources-585x329.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ellora_caves\"><\/span>Ellora caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is located in the state of <strong>Maharashtra<\/strong>.<\/li><li>is one of the <strong>largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave<\/strong> complexes in the world, featuring <strong>Hinduism <\/strong>in particular and a few Buddhist and Jain monuments with Artwork dating from the 600\u20131000 CE period.<\/li><li>Cave 16 features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailash temple, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva.&nbsp;<\/li><li>There are over 100 caves at the site, all excavated from the basalt cliffs in the Charanandri Hills.<\/li><li>All of the Ellora monuments were built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty, which constructed part of the Hindu and Buddhist caves, and the Yadava dynasty, which constructed a number of the Jain caves.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Stone pillar at Kailashnath temple.<\/li><li>Cave 15 of Ellora is known as Dashavatara Cave. It belongs to the period of the Rashtrakuta king, Dantidurga. This cave mainly depicts Lord Shiva &amp; Lord Vishnu in various forms. This two-storeyed structure has a large courtyard which stands a monolithic Nandi mandapa.<\/li><li>Notable among the Buddhist caves is Cave 10, a chaitya worship hall called the \u2018Vishvakarma cave\u2019, built around 650 CE. It is also known as the \u201cCarpenter\u2019s Cave\u201d, because the rock has been given a finish that has the appearance of wooden beams.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Buddha in one of the Ellora caves.<\/li><li>At the north end of Ellora are the five Jain caves belonging to the Digambara sect, which were excavated in the ninth and early tenth centuries could be found.<\/li><li>Lord Mahavira is present in Ellora&#8217;s caves.<\/li><li>The <strong>Indra Sabha (Cave 32)<\/strong>, excavated in the <strong>9th century<\/strong>, is a <strong>two-storey cave<\/strong> with a <strong>monolithic shrine<\/strong> in its court. 19th-century historians confused the Jain Yakshas for alternate images of Indra that were found in Buddhist and Hindu artworks, thus leading to the temple being given the misnomer \u201cIndra Sabha\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/sHP18VIOANeqZIizDVnoC8iS0pEwx5JxlaiYUJRm-1024x800.png\" alt=\"Ellora Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8022 lazyload\" width=\"565\" height=\"441\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 565px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 565\/441;\" \/><figcaption>Ellora Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ajanta_caves\"><\/span>Ajanta caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The caves are carved out of <strong>flood basalt rock of a cliff<\/strong>, part of the <strong>Deccan Traps <\/strong>formed by <strong>successive volcanic eruptions<\/strong> at the end of the Cretaceous geological period.<\/li><li>They are a group of rock-cut caves in the <strong>Sahyadri ranges<\/strong> on the Waghora River near Aurangabad in Maharashtra.<\/li><li>There are a total of 29 caves. All of these caves belong to the religion of Buddhism.<\/li><li>The caves were developed in the period between 200 BCE to 650 CE.<\/li><li>The construction of the caves received patronage from the Vakatakas kings.<\/li><li>References to these caves could be found in the observations made by the Chinese traveler <strong>Fa Hien<\/strong> and also <strong>Hieun Tsang<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The earliest group consists of <strong>caves 9, 10, 12, 13<\/strong> and <strong>15A<\/strong>. The murals in these caves <strong>depict stories<\/strong> from the <strong>Jataka<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The second phase of construction at the Ajanta Caves site began in the <strong>5th century<\/strong>. The second phase is attributed to the<strong> theistic Mahayana<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/4LokLnH20wlFfZK28rdeq3Cv4ofXrGY90R4XdmUF-1024x960.png\" alt=\"Ajanta Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8023 lazyload\" width=\"545\" height=\"511\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 545px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 545\/511;\" \/><figcaption>Ajanta Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Elephanta_caves\"><\/span>Elephanta caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is located in <strong>Mumbai<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They belong to the 8th century AD.<\/li><li>The Ganesh Gumpha is one of the earliest examples of the Brahmanical temple and has been excavated on a rock terrace, the outside consisting of a columned verandah and approached by steps flanked by sculpted elephants.<\/li><li>One of the masterpieces of this cave is the three-faced image of Shiva.<\/li><li>Other important sculptures here are- Ravana shaking Kailasa, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Shiva performing the Tandava dance, and Ardhanariswara.<\/li><li><strong>Sculpture of Trimurti<\/strong> in Elephanta caves.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"Elephanta Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8024 lazyload\" width=\"536\" height=\"536\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-585x585.png 585w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lm9DhFzC7agjvTbs2z27nq8zyUMMNtOemQ4yEhL0-120x120.png 120w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 536px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 536\/536;\" \/><figcaption>Elephanta Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Udaygiri_caves\"><\/span>Udaygiri caves&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>These caves are located in <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They contain some of the <strong>oldest surviving Hindu temples<\/strong> and <strong>iconography <\/strong>in India.<\/li><li>They are the <strong>only site<\/strong> that can be <strong>verifiably associated<\/strong> with a <strong>Gupta period<\/strong> monarch from its inscriptions.<\/li><li>Udayagiri caves contain iconography of <strong>Vaishnavism (Vishnu)<\/strong>, <strong>Shaktism (Durga and Matrikas)<\/strong> and <strong>Shaivism (Shiva)<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They are notable for the <strong>ancient monumental relief sculpture of Vishnu<\/strong> in his incarnation as the <strong>man-boar Varaha<\/strong>, <strong>rescuing the earth symbolically<\/strong> represented by <strong>Bhudevi clinging to the boar\u2019s tusk<\/strong> as described in <strong>Hindu mythology<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The site has <strong>important inscriptions<\/strong> of the <strong>Gupta dynasty<\/strong> belonging to the<strong> reigns of Chandragupta II (c. 375-415)<\/strong> and <strong>Kumaragupta I<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The Udayagiri Caves complex consists of <strong>twenty caves<\/strong>, of which one is dedicated to <strong>Jainism <\/strong>and <strong>all others to Hinduism<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"Udaygiri Caves\" class=\"wp-image-8025 lazyload\" width=\"528\" height=\"528\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-585x585.png 585w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/gra6QTySoNxDZl5WpOsd7pjTYuofJAvbOdhpga0L-120x120.png 120w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 528px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 528\/528;\" \/><figcaption>Udaygiri Caves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Contribution_of_Pallavas_to_Rock-cut_Architecture\"><\/span>The Contribution of Pallavas to Rock-cut Architecture&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pallavas are widely recognized for their exceptional contributions to rock-cut architecture. The monuments they created through rock excavation during their reign have garnered worldwide admiration for their beauty and the skills demonstrated by the artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pallavas were a powerful ancient dynasty that governed a vast portion of Southern India, including present-day <strong>Tamil Nadu<\/strong>, from the <strong>6th to the 9th centuries AD<\/strong>, with <strong>Kanchipuram <\/strong>as their <strong>capital<\/strong>. They are credited with introducing the <strong>Dravidian style of temple architecture<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The earliest Pallava shrines were <strong>rock-cut cave temples<\/strong>, which gradually evolved into <strong>monolithic shrines<\/strong> carved from <strong>enormous rocks<\/strong>, culminating in &#8220;<strong>structural temples<\/strong>&#8221; built from the ground up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their remarkable contributions in the<strong> realm of rock-cut architecture<\/strong> can be seen in <strong>Mahabalipuram<\/strong>, where <strong>multiple rock-cut shrines<\/strong> featuring cave-like <strong>verandahs <\/strong>or <strong>mandapas <\/strong>with <strong>rows of pillars<\/strong> are located. Most of the pillars are adorned with <strong>carved lions<\/strong> at their bases, a signature feature found in almost all Pallava architecture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Detailed panels inside the <strong>caves <\/strong>depict <strong>episodes <\/strong>from <strong>Hindu mythology<\/strong>, and niches often house sculpted deities. The <strong>Varaha Mandapa<\/strong> in <strong>Mahabalipuram <\/strong>has <strong>magnificent carvings<\/strong> that <strong>tell stories of Varaha<\/strong>, the <strong>avatar of Lord Vishnu<\/strong> in the form of a <strong>boar<\/strong>. The <strong>Mahishamardini Mandapa<\/strong> is dedicated to <strong>Mahishamardini<\/strong>, a form of <strong>Goddess Durga<\/strong>, and the <strong>Trimurti Mandapa<\/strong> to the <strong>trinity of Lord Brahma<\/strong>, <strong>Lord Vishnu<\/strong>, and <strong>Lord Shiva<\/strong>.&nbsp;<br>The Krishna Mandapa, renowned for its magnificent panel called <strong>Govardhanadhari<\/strong>, portrays Lord Krishna holding up the<strong> mythical Govardhana hill<\/strong> to protect the people of his village from torrential rains.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/iTXiW60Hs4cQfwsMxow8yYSGL1XryHFIwDTwqAnt.png\" alt=\"Varaha Cave Temple - Mahabalipuram\" class=\"wp-image-8026 lazyload\" width=\"544\" height=\"352\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/iTXiW60Hs4cQfwsMxow8yYSGL1XryHFIwDTwqAnt.png 696w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/iTXiW60Hs4cQfwsMxow8yYSGL1XryHFIwDTwqAnt-585x378.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 544px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 544\/352;\" \/><figcaption>Varaha Cave Temple &#8211; Mahabalipuram<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_of_art_found_at_Ellora_and_Mahabalipuram\"><\/span>Comparison of art found at Ellora and Mahabalipuram&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stylistic_Similarities\"><\/span>Stylistic Similarities&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Mahabalipuram <\/strong>and <strong>Ellora monuments<\/strong> share several stylistic similarities. Both are carved out of <strong>single stones<\/strong>, and their <strong>reliefs<\/strong>, <strong>sculptures<\/strong>, and <strong>architecture <\/strong>feature gods and goddesses from <strong>Shaivism<\/strong>, <strong>Vaishnavism<\/strong>, and <strong>Shaktism<\/strong>. The relief panels at both sites also depict stories from the Hindu epics <strong>Ramayana <\/strong>and <strong>Mahabharata<\/strong>, such as <strong>Arjuna&#8217;s Penance<\/strong> at <strong>Mahabalipuram <\/strong>and <strong>Ravana shaking Kailash at Ellora<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, <strong>both sites have rock-cut and cave temples<\/strong>, and share features such as the <strong>Gavaksha <\/strong>or <strong>Chandrashala<\/strong>, a type of horseshoe arch. The <strong>carvings <\/strong>of <strong>Mahisasur-Vadh in Ellora<\/strong> are similar to the Pallava style in Mahabalipuram. Other shared features include crest carvings, such as the <strong>Kailashnath temple<\/strong> and <strong>Dasavatara Nandi mandapa<\/strong> at <strong>Ellora<\/strong>, and the <strong>barrel-vaulted roof<\/strong> at <strong>Bhima ratha<\/strong> in Mahabalipuram.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from the similarities, some distinct features make each of these architectural treasures different from the others.<br><strong>Ellora caves<\/strong> were carved out of <strong>volcanic basaltic formation<\/strong>, while those at <strong>Mahabalipuram <\/strong>are of <strong>granitic origin<\/strong>. Ellora&#8217;s architecture also includes <strong>Jain temples<\/strong> and <strong>Buddhist chaitya halls<\/strong>. The figures at Mahabalipuram are more slender, less mobile, and colder in feeling, while Ellora&#8217;s architecture relies mainly on core carving techniques. The <strong>cruciform plan<\/strong> of the <strong>Kailash temple at Ellora<\/strong> is <strong>not found in Mahabalipuram&#8217;s architecture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2qlz9qMtZkhyr51Nc1dpbXfcgAqTuUWt3DBw2IGz.png\" alt=\"Carvings of Mahisasur-Vadh in Ellora\" class=\"wp-image-8027 lazyload\" width=\"474\" height=\"538\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2qlz9qMtZkhyr51Nc1dpbXfcgAqTuUWt3DBw2IGz.png 700w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2qlz9qMtZkhyr51Nc1dpbXfcgAqTuUWt3DBw2IGz-585x664.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 474px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 474\/538;\" \/><figcaption>Carvings of Mahisasur-Vadh in Ellora<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/events\/mission-mindset-methodology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Register-to-Workshops-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21844 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Register-to-Workshops-2-1.png 1920w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Register-to-Workshops-2-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Register-to-Workshops-2-1-1170x658.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Register-to-Workshops-2-1-585x329.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_What_are_the_rock-cut_temples_of_Mahabalipuram\"><\/span><strong>Q1: What are the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A1: The Rock Cut Temples of Mahabalipuram, also known as the Seven Pagodas or the Shore Temple, are a group of monolithic temples carved out of a single rock in the 7th century CE. They are located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_Where_can_I_find_Rock_Cut_Temples_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Q2: Where can I find Rock Cut Temples in India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A2: Rock Cut Temples are found in various parts of India, with notable sites in Mahabalipuram, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Badami, Elephanta Island, and more. Each site has its unique characteristics and historical significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_How_does_rock-cut_architecture_represent_UPSC\"><\/span><strong>Q3: How does rock-cut architecture represent UPSC?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A3: Rock-cut architecture is often a subject of study in the UPSC civil services examination, particularly in the art and culture section. It is included to test candidates&#8217; knowledge of India&#8217;s cultural heritage and architectural history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q4_What_is_the_meaning_of_%E2%80%9Crock-cut_caves%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>Q4: What is the meaning of &#8220;rock-cut caves&#8221;?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A4: Rock-cut caves refer to caves or chambers that have been excavated or carved directly into solid rock, typically in mountains, cliffs, or hillsides. These caves often serve as religious sanctuaries, monasteries, or dwelling places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q5_What_is_the_purpose_of_rock-cut_caves\"><\/span><strong>Q5: What is the purpose of rock-cut caves?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A5: Rock-cut caves have various purposes, including religious worship, meditation, residence for monks or hermits, and as historical or archaeological sites. They often serve as a testament to the architectural and artistic skills of ancient civilizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Admissions_talk_to_our_Mentor_%E2%80%93_9811333901_9811333782\"><\/span>For Admissions, talk to our Mentor &#8211; 9811333901, 9811333782<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rock &#8211; cut architecture involves excavating solid rock in its natural setting to create structures, buildings, and sculptures. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":8028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[212],"tags":[214,883,213],"class_list":["post-8017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-cse-notes","tag-indian-heritage-and-culture","tag-rock-cut-architecture-2","tag-upsc-notes"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8017"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21856,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8017\/revisions\/21856"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8028"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}