Barabar : Earliest Rock-cut Temples in India

‘‘Mystery is the message—just the effort to interpret is hope, just the trial and error.’’—Christopher Woodman


The crocodile shaped main rock with caves at Barabar
Barabar Caves are believed to be the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. Historians are sanguine that Barabar caves represent the beginnings of the tradition of rock-cut architecture in India. These caves mostly date from the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), some with Ashokan inscriptions, located in Bela Ganj block of Jehanabad district in Bihar (about 84 km from Patna). There are four caves in Barabar dating back to reign of Asoka (273-232 BC) and his grandson Dasaratha, initially for the Ajeevika sect (a religious movement founded in the 5th century BCE by Makkhali Gosala and was a major contemporary of early Buddhism and Jainism). These caves speak volume of the policy of religious tolerance undertaken by the two emperors who were otherwise Buddhists. 
Carved entrance of the Lomas Rishi cave at Barabar
A closer view of the entrance of the Lomas Rishi cave : The imitation of wooden architecture in the decorative arch made above the entrance. This became a constant feature (now known as the chaitya arch) in the worship halls of the Buddhist and Jaina faiths
Two groups of caves are situated in the twin hills of Barabar and Nagarjuni. These were discovered to Western world through a thorough description made by Alexander Cunningham (the founder of the Archaeological Society of India) in 1868. The caves gained international recognition as they featured (as fictitious Marabar caves) in E.M. Forster’s famous novel ‘A Passage to India’.
Most caves at Barabar consist of two chambers, carved entirely out of granite, with a highly polished internal surface and exciting echo effect. The first chamber was meant for worshippers to congregate in a large rectangular hall, and the second, a small, circular, domed chamber for worship, this inner chamber probably had a small stupa like structure, at some point, though they are now empty.
Wall inscriptions in Pali by King Ashoka on the wall of the entrance of the Gopi Cave
Barabar Hill has four caves, namely, Karan Chaupar, Sudama, Lomas Rishi and Visva Zopri. Sudama and Lomas Rishi Caves are the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India with architectural detailing, made in the Mauryan period. The caves here have several forms. While the Lomas Rishi Cave has an oblong vaulted room, others contain circular domed shrines, with elements of timber structure represented in stone. The interiors of several of the caves bear the high polish generally called the ‘Mauryan polish’.
Art historian and photographer Benoy K. Behl writes, ‘‘the architecture is designed to look like the wooden buildings of the period. We see here the earliest depiction of the so-called CHAITYA ARCH, which became prolific in Buddhist, Jaina and Hindu art. This was made in imitation of the design of contemporaneous bent-wood architecture. A cave facade very similar to this is found in Andhra Pradesh, at Guntupalli. These caves probably provided the model for the hundreds of rock-cut Buddhist caves that were made later in western India.’’
Nearby Nagarjuna Hill has three smaller and younger caves. These are: Gopi (Gopi-ka-Kubha), Vadithi-ka-Kubha cave (Vedathika Kubha) and Vapiya-ka-Kubha cave (Mirza Mandi). These caves bear inscriptions of king Dasaratha, the grandson of Asoka. Like the Barabar caves these too appear to have been built and used by the Ajeevika sect.
The caves are cut from a single granite boulder. Some historians opine that as per the inscriptions, the entrance to the caves is crafted in the ancient Egyptian style. The interior of the caves consists of two rectangular halls, a bigger outer hall, and a smaller inner hall. The inner walls of the cave remain highly polished even after thousands of years. The cutting of the cave is very smooth and sharp and a reminder of the high level of engineering skills of artisans. One peculiar feature of the cave is the echo inside the cave which sustains itself for about 3 seconds. If another sound is added before the previous echo dies, a combination of two consecutive echoes can be heard. Most likely the walls were polished exactly for attainment of this echo effect and must have served well for religious experiences during the chants.
View of the surroundings from the top of the Barabar
Inscriptions in Barabar Caves: (i) The king Piyadassi, when he had been consecrated twelve years, gave the Banyan Cave to the Ajivikas. (ii) The king Piyadassi, when he had been consecrated twelve years, gave this cave on the Khalatika mountain to the Ajivikas. (iii) The king Piyadassi, consecrated since nineteen years.
Alternate names: Barābār, Satgharva (seven caves), Satgharwa (seven houses), Haft Khan, Gorathgiri.
How to reach: Barabar caves are located in Jehanabad district of Bihar, about 24 km north of Gaya and about 88 km via NH22.

Important Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barabar_Caves
http://bhpromo.org.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=73
https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/barabar-caves-in-bihar-near-bodh-gaya-002786.html
http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/Bihar/Barabar.htm
http://www.mapability.com/travel/p2i/barabar_1.php 
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/75375/10/10_chapter%202.pdf
http://grahamhancock.com/phorum/read.php?1,1080812,1080812,quote=1

Comments

Although, "Go ahead, make my day." This also makes adults seem happier. I might want to focus more on Tinnitus Supplement. You may guess that the light's on but nobody's home.

It was a pint sized version of Tinnitus Pills. Do not take Tinnitus Pills too seriously. We need to keep our shoulder to the wheel. If you would like to learn more dealing with Silencil Tinnitus Pills, stick around.

https://www.offerplox.com/wellness/silencil-pills/

https://www.offerplox.com/e-commerce/keilini-heater/
https://www.offerplox.com/e-commerce/warmool-heater/
https://www.facebook.com/SilencilForTinnitus
This is your preference. Africans have long been recognized for their unbelievable Skin Care as much as a lot of those readers lecturing touching on Skin Care haven't got a leg to stand on.


https://sites.google.com/view/hydroserum-ocean-shake/
Chemist Warehouse Keto Gummies

https://www.salubritymd.com/

https://www.salubritymd.com/


https://www.salubritymd.com/chemist-warehouse-keto-gummies/
Jeff j smith said…
https://sites.google.com/view/jatinchugh/home
https://www.salubritymd.com/figur-diet-pills/
https://www.salubritymd.com/lets-keto-gummies/
https://www.salubritymd.com/optislim-harga/
Official Website:- https://www.salubritymd.com/
https://www.salubritymd.com/ultra-cardio-x-pl/
DP203 Dumps said…
When it comes to preparing for the DP-203 exam, choosing the right study materials can make all the difference. DumpsArena's DP-203 exam dumps provide a winning formula that has proven success rates and numerous benefits.
By using DumpsArena's exam dumps, you gain access to comprehensive and up-to-date study materials that cover all the topics tested in the DP-203 exam. These dumps are carefully crafted by experts who have years of experience in designing effective study resources. The easy-to-understand format ensures that you grasp even the most complex concepts with ease.
One of the biggest advantages of using DumpsArena's DP-203 exam dumps is their proven success rates. Many candidates have achieved outstanding results on their exams after utilizing these dumps as part of their preparation strategy. With a high percentage of questions accurately reflecting those found on the actual exam, you can approach your test day with confidence.

Upto 70% Discount ON THIS https://dumpsarena.com/microsoft-dumps/dp-203/

Latest Updates Await! >>>>> DP-203 Exam Dumps
CRCM Pass Rate said…
100 percent Unconditional promise - An Assurance For Your Test
We unequivocally trust in our program and know as a matter of fact that our CRCM practice test questions works. We feel somewhat doubtful. In any case, in the event that you go through the materials, yet bomb the test, we'll give you a full discount. crcm pass rate maintain that every one of our clients should be blissful and fulfilled and accept the 100 percent Unconditional promise pursues the buy choice an easy decision for any individual who doesn't as a rule joke around about finishing the test.
We Offer Substantial CRCM Test Questions
As an expert site, crcm exam pass rate offers you the most recent and most legitimate ABA CRCM Practice Test and ABA CRCM test questions, assessed by our accomplished and profoundly gifted IT commentators. You can be certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that our material is precise and refreshed.
Our Site Strategy
You can access on-line to the free preliminary of ABA CRCM Practice Test before you purchase. After you make the buy, you will be permitted to get free updates with the most recent CRCM practice test questions. There is an every minute of every day client care helping you on the off chance that you find any issues while making the buy or examining. Exam-Labs Note that you likewise reserve the privilege to a full discounted or change to other ABA Practice Test for nothing on the off chance that you don't breeze through the test with our CRCM Testing Motor.
Anonymous said…
However, it is important to approach the use of exam dumps with caution. While they can be helpful, relying solely on them without AI-900 Exam Dumps understanding the underlying concepts can hinder your long-term learning and growth in the field of AI-900.