Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c12.16

c12.16

Facades of rock-cut Chaitya-halls . 2nd cent B C contrary had served a long apprenticeship to this highly specialised form of quarrying. But strangely enough there are no evidences of experimental undertakings or trial cuttings, no gradual growth, no progressive stages are recorded, the art emerges as does more than one architectural development in India, in a fully matured state. In fact the earliest examples of all these excavated halls, are the most perfectly aligned, planned, and wrought with every line mathematically straight and every angle true. What actually happened when the rock-cut monasteries were first contemplated is, however, tolerably clear, as it can be read in the manner of their formation. The priests who conceived the idea of these retreats called on the master rock-cutters to prepare halls and habitations suitable to their needs. As there was apparently no precedent for such a method of production, the only alternative which presented itself was to repeat in the rock those structures in wood which had already been found serviceable in the past. As from various causes several of the examples have been left unfinished, it is possible to follow each stage of their execution. A selected portion of the naturally steep scarp of the hill side having been roughly cleared until it was perpendicular, a level ledge or platform was thus provided from which the workmen could begin their operations. On this vertical surface the facade of the hall or monastery was marked out, the particular shape that it assumed being a material help in excavating the interior, as in the centre was a large window-opening through which access to the upper part could be obtained. By means of this wide aperture also, the debris from the interior could be removed without difficulty and on this account it was left entirely open until the completion of the work, when it was filled in with a framework of wood. With the spoil excavated from the interior the forecourt in front of the facade was built up.