Study Guide · Chapter 3
Buddhist and Early Rock-Cut Architecture
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- Stupa architecture: A solid dome (anda) over relics, topped by a harmika and chhatra, enclosed by a railing (vedika) with ornamental gateways (torana). The Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh), originally built under Ashoka and enlarged under the Shungas/Satavahanas, is the best-preserved and most celebrated example, with four elaborately carved toranas depicting Jataka tales. Other major stupas: Bharhut, Amaravati, Piprahwa.
- Chaitya and Vihara (cave architecture): Chaityas are prayer halls with a stupa at one end, typically featuring a horseshoe-shaped arched entrance; Viharas are monastic residential halls. Notable sites: Karle and Bhaja (Maharashtra, Satavahana patronage), Ajanta (29 caves, both chaityas and viharas, world-famous murals), Ellora (34 caves spanning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions).
- Barabar Caves (Bihar): Gifted by Ashoka to the Ajivika sect; the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India, with a distinctive polished interior finish.
- Ashokan Pillars: Free-standing monolithic sandstone pillars with edicts inscribed, topped by animal capitals (the Sarnath Lion Capital being the most famous, adopted as India's National Emblem); demonstrate remarkable stone-polishing technique (Mauryan polish).
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