DEZINE MANIA

In the western India, many Buddhist caves dating back to the second century BCE onwards have been excavated. Mainly three architectural types were executed: Apsidal vault-roof chaitya hall  (found at Ajanta, Pitalkhora, Bhaja), Apsidal vault-roof pillar-less hall  (found at Thana-Nadsur) Flat roofed quadrangular hall with a circular chamber at the back  (found at Kondivite) In all the chaitya caves, a stupa at the back is common. In the first century BCE, some modifications were made to the standard plan of the apsidal vault-roof variety where the hall becomes rectangular with a stone screen wall as facade. The biggest rock cur chaitya hall was excavated in Karla, Maharashtra. Viharas are excavated in all the caves. The plan of vihara consists of a veranda, a hall and cells around the walls of the hall. Many of the early vihara caves are carved with interior decorative motifs like chaitya arches and the vedika designs over the cell doors of the cave. A stupa was added in the back of th

From the second century BCE onwards, various rulers established their control over the vast Mauryan Empire: the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas and Guptas in the north and parts of central India; the Satavahanas, Ikshavakus, Abhiras, Vatakas in southern and western India. The period also marked the rise of the main Brahmanical sects such as the Vaishnavas and Shaivas. Places where important sculptures are seen Some of the finest sculptures of this period are found at Vidisha, Barhut (M.P), Bodhgaya (Bihar), Jaggaypetta (Andhra Pradesh), Mathura (UP), Khandagiri-Udayagiri (Odisha), Bhaja near Pune (Maharashtra). Barhut Barhut sculptures are tall like the images of Yaksha and Yakshini in the Mauryan period. Modelling of the sculpture volume is in low relief maintaining linearity. Relief panels are depicted by narratives and clarity in the narratives are enhanced by selecting main events. Narrative panels are shown with fewer characters, but as the time progress, apart from the main character i