DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.2371#0076
54 EASTERN CAVES.
It may at first sight appear, that more has been said in the pre-
ceding pages, with reference to these Behar caves than their impor-
tance justifies. Looked at from an architectural point of view, this
is undoubtedly the case, but from their being the oldest caves known,
and their dates being ascertained with all desirable precision, a
knowledge of their peculiarities forms a basis for what follows,
without which our knowledge would still rest on a very unstable
foundation.
From the experience gained by our examination of these caves we
gather, first:—
That all the caves with which Buddha's name or actions are asso-
ciated were mere natural caverns unimproved by art, except in so far
as some of them have been partially lined with brickwork, but in no
instance are they entitled to be called rock-cut.
Secondly. That the earliest rock-cut examples were, even inter-
nally, plain unornamented chambers with polished walls, their roofs
imitating the form of woodwork, or it may be that of bambu huts.1
That what ornament was attempted externally, as in the Lomas Bishi
cave, was a mere copy of a wooden construction, and that any exten-
sion that was required, as in the Son Bhandar cave, was actually
executed in wood.
Thirdly. That all the jambs of the doorways slope inward, follow-
ing the lines of the posts supporting the circular roofs, which were
made to lean inwards to counteract the thrust inherent in that form
of construction.2
Lastly. That all the rude unknown caves may be considered as
anterior to the age of Chandragupta, and all those, in Behar at
least, with sloping jambs may be assumed to be comprehended within
the duration of the Mauryan dynasty, which ended about 180 B.C.;
the angle of rake being probably the best index yet obtained for
their relative antiquity.
Researches. Captain Samuells seems also to have visited them, but as he does not
describe them he probably thought them of less importance than those at Harchoka.
1 In no instance is it possible to conceive that they were copies of constructions
either on stone or brick.
2 I shall be very much surprised if it is not found that the walls in the Barabar
caves do also lean inwards; but they have not yet been observed with sufficient accuracy
to detect such a peculiarity.
It may at first sight appear, that more has been said in the pre-
ceding pages, with reference to these Behar caves than their impor-
tance justifies. Looked at from an architectural point of view, this
is undoubtedly the case, but from their being the oldest caves known,
and their dates being ascertained with all desirable precision, a
knowledge of their peculiarities forms a basis for what follows,
without which our knowledge would still rest on a very unstable
foundation.
From the experience gained by our examination of these caves we
gather, first:—
That all the caves with which Buddha's name or actions are asso-
ciated were mere natural caverns unimproved by art, except in so far
as some of them have been partially lined with brickwork, but in no
instance are they entitled to be called rock-cut.
Secondly. That the earliest rock-cut examples were, even inter-
nally, plain unornamented chambers with polished walls, their roofs
imitating the form of woodwork, or it may be that of bambu huts.1
That what ornament was attempted externally, as in the Lomas Bishi
cave, was a mere copy of a wooden construction, and that any exten-
sion that was required, as in the Son Bhandar cave, was actually
executed in wood.
Thirdly. That all the jambs of the doorways slope inward, follow-
ing the lines of the posts supporting the circular roofs, which were
made to lean inwards to counteract the thrust inherent in that form
of construction.2
Lastly. That all the rude unknown caves may be considered as
anterior to the age of Chandragupta, and all those, in Behar at
least, with sloping jambs may be assumed to be comprehended within
the duration of the Mauryan dynasty, which ended about 180 B.C.;
the angle of rake being probably the best index yet obtained for
their relative antiquity.
Researches. Captain Samuells seems also to have visited them, but as he does not
describe them he probably thought them of less importance than those at Harchoka.
1 In no instance is it possible to conceive that they were copies of constructions
either on stone or brick.
2 I shall be very much surprised if it is not found that the walls in the Barabar
caves do also lean inwards; but they have not yet been observed with sufficient accuracy
to detect such a peculiarity.