Buddhist Caves at Ellora
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Questions and Answers

What does Cave 10 represent in the Deccan region?

  • A magnificent example of Buddhist rock-cut architecture showing an advanced stage of transformation (correct)
  • A mix of Buddhist and Hindu architectural patterns
  • An early stage of Buddhist rock-cut architecture
  • A unique example of Jain rock-cut architecture

    • What is unique about the architectural pattern of Cave 5?

  • It is a triple-storeyed monastery
  • It is a Buddhist Caityagṛiha
  • It follows a peculiar architectural pattern shedding light on monastic and educational architectural patterns (correct)
  • It is a single-storeyed monastery

    • What is a notable feature of the Buddhist caves at Ellora?

  • They only have Buddhist iconography
  • They present several Buddhist goddesses and different stages of development in Buddhist iconography (correct)
  • They only have rock-cut architecture
  • They have a mix of Buddhist and Hindu iconography

    • What is the significance of the two triple-storeyed monasteries?

    <p>They are examples of rock-cut architecture and bear testimony to its flourished state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the focus of the course mentioned in the text?

    <p>Buddhist tourism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is expected of a guide or expert in this context?

    <p>Information on the rock-cut caves of the other two religions too</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mudrā of Buddha in the first-floor shrine?

    <p>Bhūmisparśa mudrā</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Buddhist Goddesses can be seen on the inner walls of the sanctum?

    <p>Tārā and Jambhala</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is unique about the third floor of the shrine?

    <p>It has a grand pillared hall supported by 40 lofty pillars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be seen near the entrance of the shrine?

    <p>Buddhist Goddesses topped by 4 seated Buddhas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of pillars can be found in the cave, embellished with bracket capitals?

    <p>Octagonal shafts with flutings on the neck</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of this site in the context of Buddhist architecture?

    <p>It provides a panoramic view of different models of Buddhist monastic architecture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the depiction of Buddha in the European seating position?

    <p>It represents Buddha's teaching style</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be seen on the walls of the cell below the staircase?

    <p>Buddha in dharmacakrapravartana mudrā with deers in the background</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the architectural style of the site?

    <p>Rock-cut architecture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the features of the drum or medhi of the stupa?

    <p>It is elongated and tall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is depicted on the inner walls of the sanctum?

    <p>Bodhisattvas topped by a group of seated Buddhas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the shape of the harmikā above the stupa?

    <p>Stepped</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the material used to support the vaulted roof?

    <p>Rock-cut ribs and rafters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the inscription on the balcony of the cave?

    <p>It represents a Buddhist creed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the feature of the parapet wall in the cave?

    <p>Mithunas and dancing figures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the original name of Cave 11?

    <p>Do Tāl</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Buddhist Caves at Ellora

    • The Buddhist caves at Ellora provide different stages of development in the fields of Buddhist iconography.
    • The caves suggest the prevalence of the worship of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara on the site.
    • The presence of female deities in the caves confirms that by the late sixth-early seventh centuries, the worship of female deities was not only introduced in Buddhist rites and rituals but also got a significant place.

    Cave 5

    • The cave has a peculiar architectural pattern that sheds light on monastic and educational architectural patterns in the rock-cut architecture.
    • The cave has two triple-storeyed monasteries that are stunning examples of rock-cut architecture and bear testimony to its flourished state.

    Cave 10

    • The cave is the last example of Buddhist Caityagṛiha in the Deccan region and is a magnificent example of Buddhist rock-cut architecture showing an advanced stage of transformation from the early influence of wooden architecture.
    • The cave has Buddha in bhūmisparśa mudrā on the first floor, surrounded by attendant Bodhisattvas.
    • The inner walls have a depiction of Bodhisattvas topped by a group of seated Buddhas.
    • Tārā and Jambhala can also be seen on the inner walls of the sanctum.
    • The second floor has Buddha in bhūmisparśa mudrā flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas.
    • The third floor has a grand pillared hall supported by 40 lofty pillars.
    • Figures of Seven Mānuṣi Buddhas topped by caitya arches can be seen on the third floor.

    Architecture and Iconography

    • The site provides a panoramic view of different models of Buddhist monastic architecture.
    • The architectural models attest that besides being a monastic establishment, this site also functions as an education centre.
    • The Buddhist caves of Ellora offer important evidence of textual and image association.
    • The stupa in the cave is elaborate and innovative, with the depiction of Buddha in pralambapādāsana and dharmacakrapravartana mudrā with Bodhisattvas and vidyādharas.
    • The vaulted roof is supported by rock-cut ribs and rafters emerging from the nāga busts.

    Inscriptions and Dates

    • The balcony of the cave has an inscription that reads, ‘All things proceed from cause; this cause has been declared by Tathāgata (Buddha); all things will cease to exist; that is, that which is declared by the Great Śramaṇa (Buddha).’
    • Palaeographically, this Buddhist creed has been dated to around the 10th century CE.

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    Explore the Buddhist caves at Ellora, a significant site for Buddhist iconography and worship of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara and female deities.

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