Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
3. Trace the evolution of rock cut architecture in India. Was ancient Indian rock cut architecture predominantly religious? Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
In India, the Barabar caves are the first known examples of rock-cut cave structures and led to the making of many similar monuments all across the country at a later period.
Key Demand of the question:
The question expects us to explain in brief the various stages of rock cut architecture of ancient India.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning that rock cut architecture occupies a very important place in the history of Indian Architecture.
Body:
In the first part, Discuss the evolution of rock cut architecture from early caves like Bhimbetka, Mauryan era rock cut architecture such as Barabar caves. Discuss about the cave temples, chaityas and viharas such as those found in Ajanta and Ellora. Discuss the dynasties under which they flourished and how they evolved over time, especially in the case of temple architecture where rock cut architecture formed the first stage of temple construction in both Dravida and Nagara style of temple building.
Next, write about the various themes and contents – both religious and non-religious, of rock cut architecture of India.
Conclusion:
Based on above give a fair judgement if rock cut architecture was predominantly religious.
