Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c41.s12.4

v6.c41.s12.4

‘Along the whole length of the scarp of the hill the precipitous portion of the rock-face shows an unbroken succession of grottoes (some 515 in number). Some high, some low, they are all closely serried laterally, and in most parts perched also one above the other. But the number of grottoes varies greatly in height. . . . At both the northern and southern ends the rock-face displays only a single line of cave-temples, while four or five successive tiers may be counted elsewhere. Only for short distances and between the two shrines containing colossal Buddha statues it is possible to recognize regular rows or storeys. The two last-mentioned temples stand in a separate category by themselves; for in order to secure adequate space for the giant clay images of seated Buddhas close on 90 feet high which they were meant to shelter, a number of halls were excavated one above the other. Each of these provides light and access for a portion of the colossus, which rises unbroken to the top through a continuous cavity at the back.’