Context:- India’s extensive art and architectural history spans over five millennia, predating conventional historical timelines. Recent archaeological revelations strongly indicate that India possessed advanced skills in art, architecture, and water management during the Harappan and Indus Saraswati Civilization periods. The Mauryans continued and expanded upon these traditions during the third century BCE.

The Harappans at Dholavira, Gujarat, utilized polished stone pillars in their monuments, disputing the belief that the Persians introduced this practice during Ashoka’s era. Dholavira also showcases India’s earliest instance of rock-cut architecture through a remarkable water reservoir. Additionally, discoveries at Banawali, Haryana, unveiled an apsidal sun-dried brick temple from the Indus-Saraswati era, dedicated to fire worship.

About Rock-Cut Architecture:

Rock-cut architecture is the practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock. Rock that is not part of the structure is removed until the only rock left makes up the architectural elements of the excavated interior. Indian rock-cut architecture is mostly religious in nature.

Genesis of Rock Cut Architecture:

There are differences in opinion about when the first rock-cut form evident in India. According to some sources there are following which can be consider as the first of them.

The Oldest rock-cut architecture is the Barabar caves, Bihar built around 3rd Century BC. These earliest rock-cut caves in India are attributed to the Mauryan period, mainly to Ashoka (273-232 BC) and his grandson Dasharath.

The Mauryan period, particularly Ashoka’s reign, is credited with India’s earliest rock-cut caves devoted to both Buddhist and non-Buddhist beliefs.

The rock-cut caves were primarily used to practice meditation and offer prayers. They also served as religious structures.

Read Also: Indian Heritage