Question

Cave architecture is imitation of:

• A. Bamboo/ Wooden structures
• B. Mud structures
• C. Brick structures
• D. Lime structures

Hint:

Whenever studying early rock-cut caves like Ajanta or Karle, remember they preserve the memory of wooden prototypes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding cave architecture.
In ancient India, Buddhist and Jain monks carved caves into rocks for living and meditation. These caves also included prayer halls and monasteries. The earliest caves were rock-cut imitations of wooden huts and meeting halls.
Step 2: Architectural influence.
The rock-cut structures often displayed designs such as wooden beams, rafters, and curved doors which were clearly copied from bamboo or wooden construction styles. Even though they were carved in stone, they retained the form of timber buildings.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- (A) Bamboo/ Wooden structures: Correct, as early caves show clear imitation of wooden frameworks.
- (B) Mud structures: Mud was not the model for rock caves.
- (C) Brick structures: Later structures used bricks, but cave design is not based on them.
- (D) Lime structures: Not relevant to original cave styles.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, cave architecture is primarily an imitation of bamboo and wooden structures.