Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c47.23

c47.23

The next group consists of Caves XVIII to XX As regards style they show a development from that of Caves XVI and XVII, especially as regards the ornamentation of the pillars in the fine *chaitya* hall (XIX) The probable date of their construction would be from about 500 to 550 A.D. The interior of the *chaitya* cave (XIX) is a magnificent piece of work. The pillars of the nave are particularly pleasing and the sculptured decoration is in the best Gupta style In the *chaitya* caves of the earlier period considerable use had been made of wood for the purpose of completing the facade and for internal decoration. Here wood has been discarded and all the work is of stone There is a large representation of the Buddha in bas-relief in the stupa, which indicates a complete break with Hinayana traditions as regards the ritual of worship.