[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942) › c19.5 # Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c19.5 Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c19.5 - **Language:** English ### [c19.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.5) The most notable of these monastic retreats, that of Ajanta, provides an excellent illustration of the evolution of Buddhist rock architecture, as here it can be followed throughout its entire course. In addition to its architectural qualities, the situation of this group is romantic and inspiring as it consists of a range of excavated galleries extending in a sickle-shaped curve along the face of the cliff for over a third of a mile, and overhanging the waters of a pretty stream, cascading through the ravine below. Here are aligned twenty-eight monastic halls of various sizes and they have been numbered in sequence, beginning with No. 1 at the western extremity, and finishing with No. 28 at the eastern end. Four of these are chaitya halls or temples, and the remainder consist of viharas or monasteries (Plate XXV) As previously explained, taken as a whole they represent two independent movements, separated by a hiatus of over four centuries. The first group, comprising Nos 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13, as they belong to the much earlier Hinayana system, has been already described (Chapters V and VI). The others, twenty-three in number, illustrate the later of Mahayana movement, and form the series now under reference. Begun towards the middle of the fifth century they were in course of production for a period of two hundred years, the excavation of one hall after another, at irregular intervals, being carried on during the whole of this time. Then, as shown by the unfinished condition of the last example, the work came to an end in A. D. 642, a date which marks the death of the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II and the conquest of the country by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I - [Previous: c19.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.4) - [Next: c19.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.6) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.5) · Pramāṇa