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What is the primary function of ‘viharas’ in Buddhist architecture?
To house relics
To serve as residential places for Buddhist priests
To serve as meditation halls
To hold public gatherings
To serve as residential places for Buddhist priests
In ancient Buddhist architecture, 'viharas' functioned as residential quarters or monasteries for Buddhist monks and nuns. They typically consisted of a central hall surrounded by small cells where the monks lived, meditated, and slept during the rainy season (Vassa).
In ancient Buddhist architecture, 'viharas' functioned as residential quarters or monasteries for Buddhist monks and nuns. They typically consisted of a central hall surrounded by small cells where the monks lived, meditated, and slept during the rainy season (Vassa).
Rock-cut architecture in Western India, such as the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, and Karli Caves, showcases magnificent examples of ancient viharas alongside chaityas (prayer halls).
Viharas were monastic establishments designed as dwelling places for Buddhist monks.
Chaityas, in contrast, were prayer halls containing a stupa at one end for congregational worship.
During the rainy season (Vassa), monks stayed indoors inside viharas to avoid stepping on living organisms.
Option A refers to stupas, which were built to house sacred relics of the Buddha or senior monks.
Option C describes chaityas or dedicated meditation halls (uposathagara).
Many rock-cut viharas featured a large central hall surrounded by small residential cells carved directly into rock faces.
B is correct — To serve as residential places for Buddhist priests
Questions frequently test the distinction between rock-cut Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (residential monasteries) in ancient Indian art and architecture.
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