Rock-Cut and Monastic Architecture

As the influence of Buddhism spread across the sub-continent, monastery constructions sprang up along trade routes and important commercial locations. Rock-cut architecture became a distinctive building tradition. This developed from Mauryan cave architecture and expanded into sophisticated excavated monasteries and temples featuring Chaitya Halls with high barrel-vaulted ceilings, a central nave, rock-cut columns and a stupa at one end. It also included Viharas which were residential monasteries with central courtyards, cells for monks, assembly halls. The decorative features of these structures included grand sculptural façades, narrative reliefs drawing from the lives of Buddha, Boddhisatvas, and the Tirthankaras, along with scenes from royal life and commoners. Painted murals from this time made use of vibrant natural colours that have survived for centuries.