Buddhist rock-cut architecture primarily consists of two types: 1. Chaitya A prayer hall or place of worship. These often have a stupa at one end, which is the object of veneration. The hall typically has a nave, aisles, and an apse surrounding the stupa. 2. Vihara A monastery or dwelling place for monks and nuns. Viharas usually consist of a central hall surrounded by cells for residential purposes.
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
Asked in UPSC IAS 2013 · Topic: Buddhism (Buddhist Art and Architecture: Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, Gandhara and Mathura Schools)
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Answer: B. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
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