What is Indian Rock-Cut architecture style?

This style involves excavating structures from solid rock, often adorned with intricate carvings and serving religious purposes, particularly Buddhist.

Where is Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture found?

Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture is primarily found in Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Xinjiang, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Myanmar (Bagan). There are 6 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture used?

Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture was used during 3rd century BCE, 8th century CE, 12th century CE, 7th century CE, 3rd Century BCE to 12th Century CE, 3rd century BCE - 12th century CE. It is associated with the Maurya Dynasty, Satavahana Dynasty, Gupta Dynasty, Chalukya Dynasty, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, Maurya dynasty, Satavahana dynasty, Chalukya dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, Mauryan Dynasty dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture?

Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture typically uses Basalt rock, Granite, Sandstone, Rock, Basalt. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture?

There are 6 heritage sites documented with Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Indian Rock-Cut architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Indian Rock-Cut architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites)
Description	This style involves excavating structures from solid rock, often adorned with intricate carvings and serving religious purposes, particularly Buddhist.
Also Known As	Rock-Cut Buddhist Cave Architecture with Indian Ajanta-Ellora Gandharan Influences Indian Rock-Cut Cave Architecture Ajanta-Ellora Influences Gandharan Buddhist Art Central Asian Cave Design Indian Jataka Iconography Rock-Cut Buddhist Cave Architecture with Indian Gandharan Artistic Influences Gandharan Artistic Traditions Greco-Roman Influences Indian Buddhist Iconography Bagan Cave Temple Architecture with Hindu Vishnu Reliefs Bagan Cave Temple Architecture Indian Rock-Cut Cave Temple Influences Hindu Vishnu Iconography Cave Temple Design Buddhist Rock-Cut Architecture with Indian Buddhist Influences Indian Rock-Cut Temple Architecture Indian Buddhist Sculpture Traditions Gandharan Art Chinese Buddhist Architecture Rock Fortress Palace Architecture with Indian Artistic Architectural Influences Indian Rock-Cut Architecture Indian Palace Architecture Indian Garden Design Indian Artistic Traditions Sri Lankan Fortress Design Buddhist Rock-Cut Architecture with Indian Gandharan Influences
Tags	Rock-cut Cave Buddhist Jain Hindu Chaitya Vihara Cave architecture Relief carving rock-cut cave temple chaitya vihara relief sculpture Cave temples Sculpture Relief शैलकर्तन गुहा वास्तुकला लेणे Mandapa
Style ID	`INHF-STY-3945027712-19:22:22:14:04:22:IRCAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/indian-rock-cut-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/indian-rock-cut-architecture-style`
Total Sites	6
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Maharashtra Bihar Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Xinjiang Tamil Nadu Odisha Myanmar (Bagan)

Historical Context

Time Periods	3rd century BCE 8th century CE 12th century CE 7th century CE 3rd Century BCE to 12th Century CE 3rd century BCE - 12th century CE
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Satavahana Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Chalukya Dynasty Rashtrakuta Dynasty Maurya dynasty Satavahana dynasty Chalukya dynasty Rashtrakuta dynasty Mauryan Dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Buddhist monasteries Jain temples Hindu temples Chaitya halls Viharas Buddhist caves Jain caves Hindu caves Monasteries Temples Jain shrines
Associated Deities	Buddha Bodhisattvas Jinas Hindu deities Shiva Vishnu Mahavira Devi

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Basalt rock Granite Sandstone Rock Basalt
Architectural Features	Rock-cut caves Pillared halls Chaitya arches Viharas Sculptures Pillars Relief carvings Stupas Chaitya halls Relief sculptures Rock-cut facades Inscriptions Sculpted facades

Keywords

Keywords	Rock-cut Cave Buddhist Jain Hindu Chaitya Vihara Cave architecture Relief carving rock-cut cave temple chaitya vihara relief sculpture Cave temples Sculpture Relief शैलकर्तन गुहा वास्तुकला लेणे Mandapa

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)	Book	Comprehensive overview of rock-cut architecture in India.

Heritage Sites (6)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Kizil Caves Baicheng Xinjiang China	Secondary	100%
Kumtura Caves Kuqa Xinjiang China	Secondary	100%
Kyauk Gu Ohnmin Temple Bagan	Secondary	100%
Longmen Grottoes Luoyang Henan China	Secondary	100%
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Central Province Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Yungang Grottoes Datong Shanxi China	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Indian Rock-Cut architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Rock-cut caves, Pillared halls, Chaitya arches.
Verify geographic location: Indian Rock-Cut architecture style architecture is typically found in Maharashtra and Bihar.
Examine construction materials: Indian Rock-Cut architecture style typically uses Basalt rock and Granite.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 3rd century BCE.
Compare with documented examples: 6 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Indian Rock-Cut architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (6)

See Also

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How to Identify Indian Rock-Cut architecture style

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