Consider the following structural components of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture: 1. Chaitya refers to the rectangular prayer hall containing a stupa at the apsidal end. 2. Vihara represents the residential monastic dwelling for Buddhist monks. 3. Amalaka denotes the hemispherical dome surmounting the main sanctum of a Nagara temple. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched because Chaityas were Buddhist prayer halls and Viharas were monastic residences. Pair 3 is incorrect because the Amalaka is the ribbed disk-like stone crowning the top of the shikhara in a Nagara style temple, whereas the hemispherical dome of a stupa is termed the Anda. Rock-cut architecture reached its pinnacle in western India at sites like Karli, Ajanta, and Ellora. Temple architecture evolved distinct regional styles such as Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara.