UPSC Prelims 2013·GS1·art-and-culture·architecture

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

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  1. A(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
  2. B(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monksCorrect
  3. C(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
  4. D(d) There is no material difference between the two

Explanation

The correct answer is (b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks.

Let's break down why:

Chaityas were prayer halls or sanctuaries, typically containing a stupa (a dome-shaped monument enshrining relics). They were designed for congregational worship.

Viharas were monasteries, serving as living quarters for Buddhist monks. They included cells for individual monks, a common hall, and sometimes a courtyard.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

(a) is incorrect because it reverses the roles of Chaitya and Vihara.

(c) is partially correct in describing the stupa's location within a Chaitya, but it doesn't define the fundamental purpose of each. It's a descriptive detail, not the core difference.

(d) is definitively incorrect; there is a material difference between the two.

Understanding the functional difference – worship vs. residence – is key to answering this question.

art-and-culture: Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between th
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