Indian
architecture is as old as the history of the civilization. The earliest
remains of recognizable building activity in the India dates back to the
Indus Valley cities. Among India's ancient architectural remains, the
most characteristic are the temples, Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas and other
religious structures. In ancient India, temple architecture of high
standard developed in almost all regions. The distinct architectural
style of temple construction in different parts was a result of
geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical and linguistic
diversities. The Rock-cut structures present the most spectacular piece of ancient Indian art specimen. Most of the rock-cut structures were related to various religious communities. In the beginning, remarkable Buddhist and Jain monuments were produced in areas such as Bihar in the east and Maharashtra in the west. Chaityas and Viharas are those rock-cut structures that were hewn out for Buddhist and Jain monks. Chaityas were places of worship whereas Viharas were residence of monks. The Rathas at Mahabalipuram are yet another great specimen of rock-cut architecture in ancient India.
