Question

What was referred to as Chaitya in caves constructed on the lines of Rock Cut Architecture?
1. Prayer hall
2. Monastries
3. Pillars
4. Religious Congregation

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Prayer hall

The correct answer is Prayer hall

• The caves were cut out of solid rocks and consisting of two parts, one called the hall of worship or chaitya and the other the monastery or vihara. 
• The Barabar caves in Bihar, built in the third century BCE built under Emperor Ashoka, are the oldest example of rock-cut architecture.
• A Chaitya is a Buddhist shrine or prayer hall with a stupa at one end for congregational worship by the monks. 
• Some of the most beautiful Chaitya caves are those at Ajanta, Ellora, Bhaja, Karle, Bagh, Nasik and Kanheri etc.
• Viharas or monasteries were dwelling place for Buddhist monks. Some of the important Buddhist viharas are those at Ajanta, Ellora, Nasik, Karle, Kanheri, Bagh and Badami.

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• Stambhas are the pillars and have been quite popular in India since times immemorial.