Question

With reference to Lomas Rishi cave, consider the following statements:

1. It is the rock-cut cave carved at Barabar hills near Gaya in Bihar.

2. The cave was patronised by Ashoka for the Ajivika sect.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Both 1 and 2

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

• The early Indian cave temples and monasteries are masterpieces of "organising space" with beauty and utility in view.
  • A typical example of early cave architecture is the most datable cave of all, the so-called Lomas Rishi cave in the Barabar Hills of Bihar. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • An inscription proves that this was excavated for the Ajivika sect in the time of Ashoka himself. Hence statement 2 is correct
  • The cave carved out of the living rock, measures 55'x22'x20'.
  • The entrance is a representation in stone of a hut entrance, with the end of the roof constructed of bent timber supported by cross beams, the ends of which are shown protruding.
  • A carved frieze of elephants is a stone imitation of similar work in wood along with a stone imitation of trellis work made of a small stick of bamboo.
    • This is an excellent example showing the development from earlier shapes in timber translated into stone.
  • The period is the 3rd century B.C. 

• The Lomas Rishi cave is an isolated example of this period.
  • But many Buddhist caves of the subsequent periods were excavated in eastern and western India.
• Ajivika Sect 
  • The Ajivikas are believed to have evolved from one of the many ascetic groups of the times.
  • According to Buddhist records, Nanda Vaccha was considered the founder of the Ajivika sect.
  • He was succeeded by Kisa Samkicca, followed by Makkhali Gosala, who was the third and the greatest of the Ajivikas.
  • Gosala met Mahavira for the first time in Nalanda and their friendship lasted for six years.
  • Sravasti was the headquarters of the Ajivika sect.
  • The Ajivikas were naked ascetics.
  • The basic principle of the Ajivikas was niyati or fate: they believed that nothing in this world could be changed as everything was predetermined.
  • Everyone has to pass through a series of transmigrations to put an end to pain.
  • According to Ajivikas, there were six inevitable factors in life, viz. gain and loss, joy and sorrow, and life and death.
  • The Ajivikas had rich lay disciples such as potters and bankers.
  • The Ajivika sect spread across the length and breadth of the country, though their influence was much less compared to that of Buddhism and Jainism.