The rock -cut architecture represents one of the most important source of our knowledge of early Indian art and history.Discuss .(upsc 2020 question)

The following question was asked in upsc 2020 G.S paper-1 :-
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important source of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

Answer :- 
        The practice of creating q structure by craving it out of a natural rock is Known as Rock - cut architecture. In this, the unwanted rock material is removed out of structure to give it a desired shape.

Source of knowledge of early Indian art

---->>  Prehistoric Rock Art :- The walls of many caves of this time of finally carved and painted pictures of animals which the cave - dwellers haunted. E.g. Bhimbetka caves.

--->> Mauryan Phase :- During the Mauryan Phase, the rock cut caves were used as Viharas which are residential quarters for the Jaina and Buddhist Monks .Rock cut pillars depicts prevalence of high degree of skill in form of Lion , Elephant figures . Sculptures of this period shows the figures of Yaksha and Yakshinis . E.g.  rock cut architecture in the Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills , Lion capital of Ashoka etc.

---->> Post Mauryan Phase :- The rock cut caves of post Mauryan Phase consists of Viharas and Chaityas ( rectangular prayer halls ) for the monks .These caves consists of figures of animals such as Elephant , images of Budha , pillars and intricate carvings.
E.g. Karle Caves in Maharashtra.

---->>> Temple Architecture :- The temple architecture consists of wall decorations and work of art .The images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses have been intricately carved from rocks in these temples.E.g Bhaja Caves ,Karla Caves , the Kanheri Caves , monolithic Kailash Temple etc.

Source of Inidan History :-

--->>> Life of the Mesolithic Age :- The paining in the caves of Bhimbetka shows the hunting scenes which represents the socio economic life of the Mesolithic age.

---->> Court art of Ashoka :- The white - grey sandstone column erected by Ashoka all over his empire to mark the site associated with Buddha's life or for propagating the message of Dhamma  to his people .

--->> Gupta period  :- During this period Hindu temples were constructed by the Kings .The image of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations have been found in many caves.E.g  Varaha incarnations in Uday giri caves .

--->>> Monolithic Rock - Cut Temples :- 
The architect of the Pallava Dynasty initiated rock carving to create monolithic structures that resembles temples.
E g  the Pancha Rathas or Pandava Rathas of Mahabalipuram.

--->>> Religious life :-  The first phase of excavation in western India was related exclusively to early Buddhism , which meant the worship of the Buddha ,represented symbolically. The depiction of jataka stories through painting can be found at Ellora  & Ajanta caves

--->>> Economic life :-  Relics found in these caves suggest a connection between the religious and commercial life . Buddhist missionaries are known to have accompanied traders on the busy international trading routes through India.

Thus , rock cut architecture has been a source of ancient art and history. These ancient and medieval structure represent significant achievements of structural engineering and craftsmanship.

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