The Cave Architecture in Ancient India

The rock-cut architecture of India is not only a vast subject, but extremely fascinating too, which has the capacity of unfolding even the unknown and untouched aspects of the rich cultural heritage of the country. All the developments and changes that are witnessed in the Indian architectural activities at the superficial levels actually have deep-rooted meaning as these are the outcome of the beliefs and practices of the common mass. To grasp the Indian Architecture in its true spirit, it is mandatory to understand Indian people first, because the Indian Architecture is not just a group of lifeless buildings made up of stones or bricks, but it essentially reflects the spirit of Indian people. This book attempts to trace the origination of the rock-cut architecture in the earliest period of the Indian history and the subsequent changes adopted during the journey of its development in synchronization with the changing scenario of the social set-up which was predominantly guided and controlled by the religious beliefs and practices since time immemorial.