Indian Art and Culture

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
Statement 1 is not correct : While rock-cut cave architecture began during the Mauryan period, particularly with the Barabar and Nagarjuni caves, its development and flourishing continued after the Mauryan era, reaching its peak in later periods especially during the Gupta period.

Statement 2 is not correct : During the Mauryan period, caves were generally used as viharas, i.e. living quarters, by the Jain and Buddhist monks, while the early caves were used by the ajivika sect, later, they became popular as Buddhist monasteries
However, the Post-Mauryan period saw the development of two types of rock caves – Chaitya and Vihara.

Viharas: They were residential halls for the Buddhist and Jain monks and were developed during the time of the Mauryan Empire

Chaitya: They were developed during the post-Mauryan period. They were mainly quadrangular chambers with flat roofs and used as prayer halls.

The caves also had open courtyards and stone screen walls to shield from rain. They were also decorated with human and animal figures.

Statement 3 is correct: The Mauryan rock-cut caves, such as those in the Barabar hills, are noted for their polished interior walls, which were made to resemble the finest wooden finishes. This was a distinctive feature of Mauryan rock-cut architecture.