Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c13.s2.19

c13.s2.19

At the ancient city of Junagadh, in Kathiawar, the existence of a considerable group of "caves" indicates that here at one time was settled a thriving religious community manifestly Buddhist and Jain. One of the Asokan inscriptions on a rock at Girnar a mile east of the city is proof of the antiquity of this settlement and also of its Buddhistic origin. The remains of cells suggest that here was at one time a monastery for the accommodation of a large fraternity, while some of the more elaborate excavations, particularly those in the Uparkot, or citadel, by their design seem to signify some special form of ceremonial or ritual. These halls, apparently for communal purposes, are in two stories connected by a winding staircase, with a lower story having broad recesses all round its walls surmounted by a typical frieze of Buddhist chaitya arches. The upper chamber to which is attached a small refectory, also contains a tank and is surrounded by a corridor. But the most striking feature of this compartment are the six columns supporting the roof, which on account of their rich carving, from base to capital, stand out both in their design and technique as the production of one or more experienced craftsmen. No other workmanship quite of this character is known in these parts, and it seems as if here, early in the Christian era probably about 300 A. D., a small group of rock-carvers of exceptional ability flourished for a time and then to have disappeared