The Dawn of Indian Rock-Cut Architecture: From Natural Caves to Man-Made Wonders
The tradition of rock-cut architecture in India is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world. It began with the use of natural caves by early humans and evolved over centuries into the creation of magnificent man-made structures carved out of solid rock.
Early Natural Caves: The First Sanctuaries
The earliest caves used by humans were natural formations that they occupied for shelter and as sacred spaces. Evidence suggests that these caves were first occupied during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods, up to about 6000 BCE. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a prime example of these early human settlements. Here, researchers have found primitive tools and decorative rock paintings dating back to circa 8,000 BCE.
During the time of the Buddha (c. 5th century BCE), Buddhist monks also used natural caves for meditation and as retreats. The Saptaparni Cave in Bihar is believed to be the site where the first Buddhist council was held after the Buddha’s death. The Buddha himself used the Indrasala Cave for meditation, starting a tradition of using caves as religious retreats that would last for over a millennium.
The Barabar Caves: A Quantum Leap in Rock-Cut Architecture
The 3rd century BCE saw a quantum leap in the development of Indian rock-cut architecture with the creation of the Barabar caves in Bihar. These artificial caves, personally dedicated by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka circa 250 BCE, exhibit an amazing level of technical proficiency. The extremely hard granite rock was cut in a geometrical fashion and polished to a mirror-like finish, a feat that would not be replicated for centuries.
Other Early Man-Made Caves
Other early examples of man-made caves include the Sitamarhi Cave, which shares the structural and polishing qualities of the Barabar caves, and the Son Bhandar Caves in Rajgir, which may be even older than the Barabar caves.
To the southeast of Bihar, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha were built in the 2nd century BCE. These caves, which are partly natural and partly artificial, were carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela.
These early rock-cut caves, both natural and man-made, are a testament to the long and rich history of this architectural tradition in India. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who created them, and they laid the foundation for the magnificent rock-cut temples and monasteries that would follow.