History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c29.s2.t2.8

v1.c29.s2.t2.8

From Mauryan times onwards there is development of a specific Indian architecture known as rock-cut architecture. It is also known as monolithic (single upright block of stone), that is to say that shrines were excavated in solid rock, either by hollowing out the necessary sanctuaries (chambers): the caves, the caityas and vihāras or by cutting away the exterior rock so as to leave an entire temple of solid rock.