1.
Great Stupa of Sanchi
The Sanchi Stupa: Facts at a Glance
HEMANT SINGH
FEB 18, 2016 12:37 IST
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/the-sanchi-stupa-facts-at-a-glance-1455779247-1
Sanchi is a hot spot for Buddhist tourist in India. It is situated at Sanchi in Raisen district of
Madhya Pradesh. The glorious Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone composition in India and
was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka, the Great in the 3rd century
BCE. The stupa is located on a hill whose height is 91 m (298.48 ft.) Over this scattered hill
splendidly stood the main stupa with an excellent height of 71 ft (21.64 m) from the ground
level to the original chatravali. Sanchi tagged as the World Heritage site by UNESCO in
1989.
Sanchi, popularly known as Kakanaya, Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata in ancient times,
has a singular distinction of having remarkable replica of Buddhist art and architecture right
from the early Mauryan period (c. third century BC to twelfth century AD). Sanchi is known
for Stupas in the whole world, monolithic Asokan pillar, temples, monasteries and sculptural
wealth are other point of attraction.
The Great Stupa At Sanchi – Oldest Stone Structure In India
April 24, 2017
http://www.ancientpages.com/2015/12/27/the-great-stupa-at-sanchi-oldest-stone-structure-in-india/
The Sanchi gateways are made of stone, but they were constructed in the manner of wood and covered
with narrative sculptures. They show scenes from the life of the Buddha integrated with everyday events
that should be familiar to the onlookers and make it easier for them to understand the Buddhist creed as
relevant to their lives. Some of the stone carvings at Sanchi show the Buddha as a non-human figure.
Instead the artists chose to represent him by certain attributes, such as the horse on which he left his
father’s home, his footprints, or a canopy under the bodhi tree at the point of his enlightenment. The
human body was thought to be too confining for the Buddha. Since the fourteenth century Sanchi
remained deserted and uncared for till 1818 when General Taylor rediscovered the site. Sir John Marshall
established an archaeological museum in 1919, which was later transformed into the present site
museum at Sanchi.
Presently under an UNESCO project Sanchi and Satdhara, a Buddhist site, 10 km south-east of Sanchi,
is being further excavated, conserved and environmentally developed.
2. Rock-cut Temple of Karli (Facade & Interior - use two sheets for the drawings)
https://odishabytes.com/bhaja-karla-caves-deep-etchings-on-the-face-of-time/
By Asheesh Mamgain Last updated Aug 26, 2019
The main central Chaitya of Karla makes it stand out. This is the biggest Chaitya in India. It is so
impressive that it is considered second only to Ellora’s main Kailash Temple, in scale and workmanship.
Great Chaitya at Karla, built in 150 CE, is the largest rock-cut chaitya in India, measuring 45 metres
(148 ft) long and up to 14 metres (46 ft) high.
The way up to the Karla caves is again through a stone path with intermittent steps. But unlike in Bhaja, the way up
in Karla is way more happening, busy and colourful. There is a temple to a local goddess right at the entrance of the
main Chaitya. It is a popular temple and the local folks visit it in good numbers. As a result, the way up is lined with
a host of stalls selling knick-knacks, snacks and drinks. All this adds a lot of colour and festive atmosphere to the
Karla caves, unlike Bhaja which shines in its solitude and peace. There are a lot of sculptures to admire in Karla, on
the walls and on top of great columns of the main Chaitya. There are some great life seize rock-cut elephants too. It
is said that in the old days these elephants had real ivory tusks. The ivory is long gone now, but yes, you can still see
the sockets where they were installed as proof.
The Karla caves are considered the last great flourish of a tradition of building such caves in western India under
royal patronage. It started with Kondivite Caves, then followed with Bhaja caves, Ajanta Caves, Kondana Caves,
Nasik Caves and finally Bedse caves.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/karla-caves-maharashtra-travel-guide-1539337
SHARELL COOK
Updated 09/26/19
The Karla Caves were once a Buddhist monastery and consist of 16 excavations/caves. Most of the caves
belong to the early Hinayana phase of Buddhism, except for three from the later Mahayana phase. The
main cave is the huge prayer/assembly hall, known as a chaityagriha, that's believed to date back to the
1st century BC. It has a magnificent roof made out of carved teak wood, rows of pillars decorated with
sculptures of men, women, elephants, and horses, and a large sun window at the entrance that deflects
rays of light towards the stupa at the rear.
The other 15 excavations are much smaller monastery living and prayer spaces, known as viharas.
What's interesting to note is that the caves contain few representations of the Buddha (large feature
images of the Buddha were only introduced during the later Mahayana phase of Buddhist architecture,
from the 5th century AD). Instead, the outer walls of the main hall are predominantly decorated with
sculptures of couples and elephants. There's also a towering pillar with lions atop it at the entrance,
similar to the lion pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh to mark the spot where
Buddha gave his first discourse after he became enlightened.
(A graphic representation of it was adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950).
3. Rock-Cut Temple of Ajanta (Facade)
5 Stunning Rock Cut Cave Temples of India
https://factslegend.org/5-stunning-rock-cut-cave-temples-of-india/
written by Sankalan Baidya October 4, 2017
If there are any other rock cut cave temples that can seriously challenge the grandeur of Ellora
Caves, it is none other than the Ajanta Caves. Also located in Maharashtra along the Waghora
River, the Ajanta Caves are a collection of 30 caves that have been carved out in solid rock.
Home to some of the most exquisite Buddhist Art masterpieces, the Ajanta Caves were
abandoned somewhere in 650 CE. They were rediscovered again 1819 by the British. Though
time has taken a serious toll on the elaborate narrative paintings and poetry ornamenting every
surface except the floor, the Ajanta Caves are just another example of architectural marvels of
ancient India.
Rock-cut temples in India – the history of the construction
https://undergroundexpert.info/en/underground-space-use/implemented-projects/rock-cut-temples-in-
india/
Svetlana Bukreeva
April, 2017
The Ajanta caves are the Buddhism cultural heritage object and a major tourist attraction. Its beautiful
name derives from the name of the village near. The cave temples appeared there first in the II-I
centuries BC on the territory of the Indian state of Maharashtra at the distance of 107 km from the city
Aurangabad. Several Buddhist temples were cut in the rocks and decorated during the times of the Gupta
Empire, which occupied Northern and Central India in the IV-VI centuries.
The objects of art – sculptures and paintings – served as the basis for the including of the place into the
UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983. In total, there are 30 caves constructed at different times.
For a long time the Ajanta caves were hidden in jungles. Only a few Indian sources mentioned their
existence and some locals also knew the location. In 1819, the British officer went for hunting and
accidently found them. The Europeans got acquainted with the place. The caves were cleaned from the
congested mud and garbage and quickly became a popular place to visit.
The basalt rock where the caves were cut in is a part of the Deccan plateau. The U-shaped rock follows
the lines of the river Waghora. The quite place was a nice location for Buddhist monks, who used to
sequester themselves there for praying and meditation. Each cave had a staircase leading to the water,
most of the stairs disappeared over time.
4. Rock-Cut Temple of Vishvakarma (Facade)
The Culture of India
Kathleen Kuiper Manager, Arts and Culture
The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, 15 Aug 2010 - Juvenile Nonfiction - 344 pages
Hind Cartwheel
Lawrence Winkler
Lawrence Winkler, 4 Oct 2012
Vishvakarma Cave, Cave 10: Built around 650 CE the cave is also known as the Carpenter’s Cave
because of the finishing of the rock which looks like the wooden beam. Inside the stupa hall, lies the 15 ft
statue of Buddha resting in a preaching pose. The cave is the dedicated prayer house among all the caves
here and has eight cells and also a portico.
5. Vihara of Takht-i Bahi
Takht-i-Bhai: A Buddhist monastery in Mardan
FAZAL KHALIQUPDATED JUN 02, 2015 01:18PM
https://www.dawn.com/news/1185519
The ostentatious structure and imposing relics of the Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bhai (Throne of
Origins) has captivated a large number of locals and tourists who have flocked to see the ancient site
which dates back to early 1st century AD.
Listed in the World Heritage List, it is considered one of the most well-structured Buddhist monasteries in
Gandhara district.
It is perched about 500 feet atop a small hill, about 2 kilometers east of the Takht Bhai bazaar in Mardan
district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), once known as the heart of the Gandhara civilization, which attracts
tourists, historians, archaeologists and Buddhists from across the world.
The Buddhist complex and the village, as locals say, is named after the two wells found on top of the hill
near the complex, however, majority believe that takht means throne and bhai means water in Persian
language.
“We believe that it was named after the spring located on the left side of the Buddhist site,” Habib khan, a
local resident tells Dawn.
The historical site is an archaeological wonder, considered to be significant because of its unique design.
“The site is extremely important for its integrity and unique state of conservation; important also for its
antiquity, being built certainly during the 1st century CE, as proven by the important inscriptions bearing
the name of Gondophares (20-46 CE),” Director of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, Dr Luca
Maria Olivieri tells Dawn.
He says that Gondophares was a Parthian king of the Suren house, from Sakastan, or Sistan (a Suren
general defeated the Roman forces in the battle of Carrhae, in today’s Turkey, in 53 BCE, where 20,000
Romas were killed and 10,000 captured).
“Soon after Gondophares, Takht-i-Bahi was under the control of Kujula Kadphises, the first Kushan king.
The site remained in use certainly until Late Antiquity (7th CE),” he adds.
He says that the site is symbol of architectural complexity of a Buddhist monastic complex, and it should
be considered a wonderful introduction to
Takht-i-Bahi: The Jewel of Pakistan’s Cultural Heritage
By BD Dipananda
Buddhistdoor Global | 2015-06-19
https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/takht-i-bahi-the-jewel-of-pakistans-cultural-heritage
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980, Takht-i-Bahi offers a glimpse of a Buddhist monastery of great
historical importance. Located 80 kilometers from Peshawar and 16 kilometers northwest of Mardan in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, the heritage site lies on the northern slope of a remote spur near Takht-i-Bahi village and
comprises the largest Buddhist remains in the ancient kingdom of Gandhara.
The impressive archaeological site was first identified from the extant travel records of the Chinese monk-pilgrim
Xuanzang (602–64), who journeyed through greater India in search of Buddhist texts. Even in Xuanzang’s day,
however, the site’s main stupa—the biggest and most spectacular he had seen—seems already to have been
damaged. In modern times, the first to mention the site, in 1836, was a French officer in the service of Maharaja
Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) named General Court. It was explored by the Indian-born British medical officer Dr.
Henry Walter Bellew in 1864 as part of an archaeological survey, leading to a series of excavations, and from 1910–
11, Harold Hargreaves conducted research on the site.
In Persian and Urdu, the word “takht” means “throne” or “top,” and “bahi” means “water” or “spring.” Together, the
meaning is “spring at the top,” and the monastery seems therefore to have been called Takht-i-Bahi because of its
location at the top of a mountain, next to a stream. Local residents believe that it was named after the spring on the
left of the site.
6. Chaitya Hall at Bhaja
List of Famous Chaitya and Vihara of India
SHAKEEL ANWAR
JUL 11, 2018 09:56 IST
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-famous-chaitya-and-vihara-of-india-1531282998-1
The Buddhist architecture is mainly consisting of Chaityas, Viahras, Stupa and
Stambhas. The practice of making caves was started during the Mauryan period
and reached its zenith during the 2nd century AD under the Satvahana rule. In this
article, we are given the list of Famous Chaitya and Vihara of India, which is very
useful for the competitive examinations like UPSC-prelims, SSC, State Services,
NDA, CDS, and Railways etc.
Features of the Chaityas and Viharas
The salient features of Chaityas and Viharas are discussed below:
1. A square mandapa was constructed inside the cave, which was surrounded by the
dwelling places for the monks.
2. Initially the Chaitya and Vihara architecture was concerned with the wooden architecture,
but over the time, the rock-cut caves came into prominence.
3. The Chaityas belonging to 200 BC-200 AD are mainly related to the Hinyana Buddhism.
Bhaja, Kondane, Pitalkhora, Ajanta (9th – 10th caves), Beda, Nasik and Karle caves are the
examples such architecture. There is a lack of image sculpture and these caves mostly
contain the simple stupas.
chaityas of ajanta caves
BY ROXY MATHEW KOLL · MARCH 23, 2011
https://www.rocksea.org/chaitya-buddhist-caves-ajanta/
Chaityas are buddhist prayer halls that house a stupa. The word chaitya has its roots in
sanskrit chita ~ meaning a pyre or a pile of ashes. The ancient rock-cut buddhist caves of
Ajanta were built during the 2nd century BC ~ 6th century AD. All these caves and sculptures
are carved out of the rocky hills of Ajanta. They start carving from top of the hill and reach
the bottom, and hence do not make use of scaffolds for support.
In the next four chaitya images, you can see how buddhism evolved during the period, from
the early hinayana style to the mahayana style of buddhism. Out of the 30 caves of ajanta,
9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya grihas and the remaining caves are viharas, carved out of
a horse-shoe shaped rock-cliff valley.
During the late mahayana period, chaitya has the buddha as the centrepiece, and idol
worship is more prevelant. This is one of the most significant differences between these two
periods, were relic worship was replaced by iconography.
7. Dharmarajika Monastery, Pakistan
Dharmarajika: The Great Stupa of Taxila
BY AYESHA.IBRAHIM SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
https://www.gounesco.com/dharmarajika-great-stupa-of-taxila/
The Dharmarajika stupa was constructed in 2nd century A.D., part of the eight shrines built in
3rd century B.C by Emperor Ashoka.
Among the six World Heritage sites in Pakistan, Taxila deserves a special mention as it made its
way to the UNESCO list in 1980s. It has prove d its mettle by being an abode to diverse historical
sites including Buddhist monasteries and stupas such as Dharmarajika, Mohra Muradu, Jaulian
just to name a few, settlement sites or cities such as Bhir mound, Sirkup, Sirsukh and mosques
belonging to med ieval era.
The stupas and monasteries have also been recorded by Hiuen -Tsang, the famed Chinese pilgrim,
when he discovered that several monasteries ( sangharamas) were situated in Taxila valley. Taxila
was historically kno wn as Takhshasila, a humble abode of Buddhism and for Buddhists, where the
religion saw its rise and descent. According to historical records, King Ashoka of Mauryan
dynasty, is given the credit for constructing numerous religious monuments with the purpose of
diffusing Buddhism.
Likewise, the great Dharmarajika stupa was constructed in 2nd century A.D., part of the eight
shrines built in 3rd century B.C by the emperor. The great stupa is accredited for being one of the
earliest Buddhist monuments. According to the famed scholar, Sir John M arhsall, when referring
to the value of Dhar marajika stupa, the name Dharmaraja was attributed by Ashoka for himself
and the original stupa had been constructed by him, the current one being built later on top of the
original construction.
Dharmarajika Stupa, Sarnath
Illustration
by Anindita Basu
published on 21 August 2016
https://www.ancient.eu/image/5454/dharmarajika-stupa-sarnath/
Remains of the Dharmarajika Stupa. It was built over the relics of the Buddha by Ashoka in the 3rd
century BCE. It used to be a small circular structure, about 13.5 meters in diameter. It was pulled down
during the 18th century CE on orders of a minister of the local king, and the materials used as building
materials. During the destruction, a stone box with a green marble casket, thought to contain the relics, was
found. The casket was thrown into the river Ganges; the box is presently at the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, 3rd century BCE.
8. Lomas Rishi Rock-cut Temple, Barabar Hills
LOMAS RISHI CAVE
9. Religion Travel
https://www.hisour.com/lomas-rishi-cave-30004/
he Lomas Rishi Cave, also called the Grotto of Lomas Rishi, is one of the man-made Barabar Caves in
the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills of Jehanabad district in the Indian state of Bihar. This rock-cut cave was
carved out as a sanctuary. It was built during the Ashokan period of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century
BC, as part of the sacred architecture of the Ajivikas, an ancient religious and philosophical group of India
that competed with Jainism and became extinct over time. Ājīvikas were atheists and rejected the
authority of the Vedas as well as Buddhist ideas. They were ascetic communities and meditated in caves
such as Lomas Rishi.
The hut-style facade at the entrance to the cave is the earliest survival of the ogee shaped “chaitya arch”
or chandrashala that was to be an important feature of Indian rock-cut architecture and sculptural
decoration for centuries. The form was clearly a reproduction in stone of buildings in wood and other
vegetable materi Location
Lomas Rishi Cave is carved into the hard monolithic granite rock face of Barabar hills, flanked to its left by
the smaller Sudama cave. The site is close to the Falgu River, and Barabar Caves Information Centre is
close by. The Cave is 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of Gaya in Bihar, an eastern state in India and about
1,500 kilometres (930 mi) from Ajanta Caves. It is distant from other major archaeological sites related to
art and architecture; for example, it is about 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) from Mathura and about 2,200
kilometres (1,400 mi) from Gandhara.
History
During the reign of Mauryan emperor Ashoka, Lomas Rishi Cave was excavated and gifted to the Ajivikas
monks. It is dated to the 3rd century BCE. Additional caves followed in the same granite hills, all in the 3rd
century BCE, based on the inscriptions found in the caves. The other six caves are (i) Karna Chaupar, (ii)
Sudama Cave, (iii) Vishmitra Cave, (iv) Gopi Cave, (v) Vapiyaka Cave, and (vi) Vadathika Cave. The last
three are on the Nagarjuni Hill east of the Barabar Hill.
From Temple to Museum: Colonial Collections and Umā Maheśvara Icons in the Middle Ganga
Valley
Salila Kulshreshtha
Taylor & Francis, 5 Oct 2017 - History - 372 pages
10. Rock-Cut Cave of Kanheri
9 Amazing Rock Cut Temples To Visit
June 7th, 2019 by Gauri Babele
https://www.oyorooms.com/blog/rock-cut-temples-in-india/
The Kanheri caves are located at Mumbai and are one of the finest examples of rock cut
architecture in India. One of the major centres for Buddhist religion, the temple dates back to
a period of construction ranging from 1st century B.C to 10th century A.D. the temples are cut
out from a volcanic rock and houses some of the most beautiful sculptures of Lord Buddha. The
prayer halls and stupas exude serenity, and one is sure to deke at peace walking into the
premises.
KANHERI CAVES
August 22, 2010
https://www.wondermondo.com/kanheri-caves/
he exotic jungle of Sanjay Gandhi National Park at the outskirts of Mumbai hosts large basaltic outcrop. This basalt
massif in contains 109 rock-cut Kanheri caves – more than 2000 years old Buddhist cells and shrines.
Often the description of Kanheri Caves starts with the statement that there should not be expected
"other Elephanta Caves" or Taj Mahal. This is true – Elephanta Caves and Taj Mahal have absolutely different
qualities. Kanheri Caves though have their own charm and most certainly – a lot more history embedded in the cliffs
and a lot more influence left on the art of Asia.
This could be explained by the fact that caves were carved in a large outcrop of dark basalt in the forest of Sanjay
Gandhi National Park. This ancient forest has a long and rich history of preservation. In spite of the enormous city
of Mumbai encircling it from three sides, the forest hosts numerous rare species including even leopards –
sometimes attacking stray visitors of the park. An additional wonder of this area is created by Karvy shrub
(Strobilanthes callosus (Nees)) – once per 8 years hillsides of Kanheri are covered with bright purple flowers of this
plant, full with exotic butterflies. During the rainy season, several beautiful waterfalls form in Kanheri hills.
The closest rim of this forest is 2 kilometers from caves. The path to the caves though is 5 km long – but it is well
worth to walk it and to dive into the beauty of forest and expectation of historical gem to be learned. Kanheri caves
are reached by an impressive, long flight of steps cut in the slope of basalt.
Cave and Rock-Cut Architecture Found in India
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These caves near Mumbai (in Thane district of Maharashtra) belong to the Hinayana phase of Buddhist
architecture, while the 5th century image of the Buddha in the chaitya hall suggests later additions.
Altogether there are more than 100 caves here. Their main features are flights of connecting steps and
stone seats provided for the monks to rest on. Although many of the caves are not of great artistic merit,
they have some archaeological interest inasmuch as they cover the period from the 2nd to the 9th century
AD.
11. Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the oldest brick structures in India
Nov 20, 2016 Marija Georgievska
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/11/20/the-mahabodhi-temple-is-one-of-the-oldest-brick-structures-in-
india/
The true year of Buddha’s birth is hard to come by, but it is certain the great historical figure lived
sometime between the 6th or 5th century BC.
Inside this Great Awakening Temple is the descendant of the Bodhi Tree.
Under this tree the young prince Siddhartha Gautama, who had never seen death and suffering before
but when he did he wanted to end it, reached his enlightenment.
He sat in meditation between the roots of this tree for three days and three nights, before he finally got
the answers he was looking for. In his honor, the Emperor Ashoka built the Mahabodhi Vihar temple
around the year 260 BCE. The original structure of the temple that still stands today was built in the
7th century, the time in which the Gupta kings reigned.
The temple was supported over the years by many people, including one renovation in which individuals
like the British Archaeologist Sir A. Cunningham and Dr. Rajendra Lai Mitra from India took their part in
1883.
More reparations were done In 1956 when the Indian government took a step toward renovating and
enlarging the premises of the temple.
The Sacred Buddhist Mahabodhi Temple
By
WSJ Staff
Jul 7, 2013 3:21 pm IST
https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/07/07/the-sacred-buddhist-mahabodhi-temple/
The Mahabodhi Temple, where eight bomb blasts injured two people in a suspected terror attack
Sunday, is possibly the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the world and one of the oldest temple
constructions in the Indian Subcontinent.
The temple in Bodh Gaya, in east India's Bihar state, was completed in the seventh Century, according to
the temple’s website, but the Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment there over a thousand years
before, in the sixth Century B.C.
There has been a temple on the site since 260 B.C.
The sacred Bodhi tree growing in the temple complex is thought to be the place where Buddha
meditated and reached perfect insight. It is the holiest place in the complex.
The tree standing in the complex today is likely the fifth one on that spot, as the previous trees were
destroyed by bad weather and human activity, according to the temple authorities. It is thought to be a
direct descendent of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha sat.
Next to the Bodhi Tree is a Buddha statue on part of the polished sandstone Vajrasana (Diamond
Throne), which was installed by Emperor Asoka in the third Century B.C. to mark the spot where the
Buddha sat and meditated.
The temple complex includes a number of places where Buddha meditated in the weeks after obtaining
enlightenment, including sites where he is said to have stood in meditation without moving his eyes for
a week and where, according to the temple website, he was saved from a thunderstorm by a snake.
The earliest historical reference to the temple is found in the writings of Faxian, a Chinese traveler who
walked from China to India visiting Buddhist sites in the fifth Century A.D. The tree at Bodh Gaya is
mentioned in his record of the trip.
In 2002 the temple complex was designated a World Heritage site by Unesco as one of the earliest
temple constructions remaining in the Subcontinent. According to Unesco, millions of people visit
Mahabodhi every year. In January 2012 the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, launched his book,
'Beyond Religion' at a Buddhist festival held at the temple complex.
