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Architecture | Share This Page | ||||||||||||
Rock Cut Architecture |
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by Ashish Nangia |
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Rock-cut architecture occupies a very important place in the history of Indian Architecture. This differs from 'building up' in many important ways. Firstly, the art is more akin to sculpture than architecture, in that a solid body of material (rock) is taken, the final product visualized and cutting/carving starts. Secondly, the mason is not overly concerned with spans, forces, beams, columns, and all the other architectural features - these can be carved, but are seldom playing any structural role. Buddhist Caves and Chaityas The Rathas of Mahabalipuram Kailash Nath Temple, Ellora ![]() The scheme of the Kailash temple is basically divided into four main parts: the body of the temple itself, the entrance gateway, an intermediate nandi shrine and the cloisters surrounding the courtyard. Much of the imposing character of the main shrine is due to its substantial plinth, which on first examination seems to be a floor by itself. Above and below this, the sub-structure is heavily molded, while the central space is occupied by a frieze of elephants and lions. The Kailash temple is not only the single largest work of art executed in India, but as an example of rock-cut architecture it stands unrivalled. One gradually becomes aware of the stupendous labor that it involved (over a hundred years), and finally, the sculpture that adorns it. Standing within its walls, one cannot help but be aware of the spiritual energy that went into its creation - a jewel hewn out of the rock itself. |
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01-Mar-2001 | |||||||||||||
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Comments on this Article
Neeraj kumar 03/12/2014 00:51 AM
Priyadarshinee Saikia Biswas 07/16/2013 11:17 AM
leo 10/21/2012 23:43 PM
Sophia 02/01/2011 11:19 AM |
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