Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

Page 70

The Evolution of the Caitya-griha
1.
15
vedic hut. In shape it is stilted semi-circular aperature divided in to lunettes and radiating like the spokes of a wheel. As an architectural conception and at the same time as an artistic and effective method of introducing light, this early form of traceried window is a remarkable achievement.41
(b) The Laser (Mahāyāna ) płase Of the Rock-cut Caitya-griha
(c. A. D. 450-642 A. D.)
The Mahāyāna rock-cut architecture is restricted to certain specified localites in western India. At Ajanta towards the beginning of the christian era, Hinayāua order has excavated a group of large halls and manastic abodes, after a quiescent period of four centuries the Mahāyāna order again excavated it. At Elora no earlier excavation had been made, it was previously unoccupied and an entirely new undertaking was initiated by Mahāyāna Buddhist and eventually developed under the Jains and Brahmanas, into the most important and comprehensive range of rock-cut monuments in India. The Mahāyāna Buddhist movements, both at Ajantã and Elora, appear to have begun simaltaneously about the middle of the 5th ceiit.42 At Ajanta they excavated two caitya-grihas viz., No. 19 ( C. A, D 550 ) and No. 26 (A. D. 550-600) The two of this group No. 19 is the earlier and finer. It corresponds in size to the already existing Caitya griha No. 10, the smaller and latter of tie Hinayāna series, and, as with the caitya griha No. 26 (Mahāyāna), it follows the earlier type in having flat ceilings to its side aisles. In the interior there is the stūpa standing on a slightly elevated platform within the centre of the apse. 4 3. The other Caitya-griha of the series is No. 26 and was excavated atleast fifty years latter than the preceeding. It is exceedingly fine and rich in production. The architectural treatment of this hall is in much the same style as No. 19,
41. IABH p. p. 27-28 42. IABH p. p. 68-69 43. IABH p. p. 70-71 (plts: XLI. )