Cave Architecture: Bhimbetk, Kanheri, Jogeshwari, Mandapeshwar and Others for NET, IAS, State-SET (KSET, WBSET, MPSET, etc.), GATE, CUET, Olympiads etc.
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Suitability of Cave Architecture
- Primarily developed in western ghats
- Rock architecture was suited to India, for the country had plenty of Rocky Mountains.
- Structures excavated in stone most durable
Bhimbetka Caves
- Near Bhopal, M. P.
- Buddhist site
- More than shetlers
- groups
- Bhimbetka group
- Lakha juar group
- Rock paintings dated back to stone age era years
Kanheri Caves
- Near Mumbai
- Time period nd century to th century.
- More than caves.
- Belong to first phase-Hinayana Buddhism.
Jogeshwari Caves
- Within the island of salsette
- Time period second half of the 8th century.
- Belongs to the 1st stage of Mahayana Buddhist architecture.
- Brahmanical influence is evident.
- Shrines are isolated and stand in the centre of cruciform hall with more than one entrance.
Mandapeshwar Caves
- Also known as Montepezir.
- Contemporary with Jogeshwari caves
- Only brahmanical caves to be converted in Christian shrine.
- Ruins of Old Portuguese church is found.
- Franciscan monastery nearby.
- Caves have sculptures of Nataraja, Sadashiva and a splendid sculpture of Ardhanarishvara.
- It contained the largest Mandapa and a prominent Garbhagriha
Karle, Bhaja and Bedsa Caves
- Karle caves Hinayana period main feature chaitya, its entrance, and arrangement of the sun window.
- Bhaja caves: 18 caves built for Buddhist nuns. around 2 B. C. Last cave fine sculptures prince dancing on the elephant, dancing couple.
- Bedsa caves: belong to later period than bhaja caves smaller chaitya than Karle but quite similar to it.