History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c15.s8: Dhamnâr and Kholvi.
History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c15.s8
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Dhamnâr and Kholvi.
v1.c15.s8.1
There are no vihâras at either of these places, which can at all compare, either in dimensions or in interest, with those already described. The largest, at Dhamnâr, is that already given in combination with the chaitya, Woodcut No. 86, p. 165, and, though important, is evidently transitional to another state of matters. Next to this is one called the ‘Great Kacheri’; but it is only a six-celled vihâra, with a hall about 25 ft. square, encumbered by four pillars on its floor; and near the chaitya above alluded to is a similar hall, but smaller and without cells. At Kholvi⁴ there is nothing that can correctly be called a vihâra at all. There is, indeed, one large hall, called ‘Bhîm’s house,’ measuring 42 ft. by 22 ft.; but it has no cells, and is much more like what would be called a Sâlâ at Bâgh than a vihâra. The others are mere cells, of no architectural importance.⁵
v1.c15.s8.2
⁴ The Kholvi group is situated more than 60 miles north of Ujjain, that of Dhamnâr about 22 further north, and deeper into the Central Indian jungles.
v1.c15.s8.3
⁵ Plans of these caves, with descriptions and some architectural details, will be found in Gen. Cunningham’s ‘Archæological Reports,’ vol. ii. pp. 270-288, plates 77-84. But till those of Kholvi are photographed we shall not be able to speak positively regarding them; the General’s drawings are on too small a scale for that purpose.