History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c29.s2.t2.10

v1.c29.s2.t2.10

The beginning of monumental architecture in the Deccan is also of rock-cut sanctuaries and monasteries belonging to Śātavāhana period (2nd century B.C. - 2nd century A.D.). These monuments are excavated into basalt out-crop of western Deccan at numerous Buddhist sites including those of Ajanta, Bedsa, Bhaja, Junnar, Karli, Pitalakhora. During later phase (Śātavāhana- Kṣatrapa transition, first-second century A.D. the caitya halls of Kanhere and Nasik show more evolved arched motifs and decorative reliefs on the facades. Ajanta was provided with superb series of caitaya halls under the Vākāṭaka (5th - 6th century A.D). Under the patronage of the Kalacuri and Early Cālukyas (5th - 7th century A.D.) rock-cut caves and temples developed further as seen at Elephanta, Jageshwar, Ellora, Aihole, Badami etc.