Carved Out of Bedrock: The Amazing Great Chaitya Cave in India | Ancient Architects
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 เม.ย. 2021
- There are a number of famous examples of enigmatic rock-cut architecture in the world and India is one place in particular that is famous for its caves. There are the famous Ellora Caves that date back to 600-1000 AD, which includes the breathtaking and seemingly impossible Kailasa Temple, the Ajanta caves, which are even older, but there are also the lesser-known Karla Caves, not all as elaborate as the others, but a site that should certainly be on the radar.
The Karla caves are located near Lonavala, Maharashtra, a complex of amazing ancient Buddhist Indian temples carved out of the bedrock, dating back from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD.
Maharashtra has many larger examples of man-made cave networks but Cave 8 at Karla, known as The Grand Chaitya Cave is the largest and most completely preserved chaitya hall of the period, with beautiful, ornate architecture and featuring many examples of fine sculpture. Watch this video to find out more about this man-made wonder of the world!
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I'm really curious to know how they did it? Is this something that just took a long time to chisel out, or what? I was also a bit confused, was this carved out of Basalt like it said in the video or Bedrock like it says in the title? And how hard is that compared to Granite or Diamond, where does it fall on the Mohs scale?
@@Khjgnu please make a better video discussing the topic I’ll gladly wait for your thorough research of the topic can’t wait to hear you
They actually don’t know when these were built, that inscription is the last time it was repaired
@@Khjgnu Do we get to make fun of your pronunciation of English, German and/or Spanish oh thou hyper-nationalistic one?
did they leave behind the techniques used to carve such intricate structures within the rock? was it just removal or empty and replace? I find this much more difficult than just blocking out a pyramid.😊
The stoneworks of India have little to no comparison, their complexity and sheer size and amount are absolutely incredible...so much variety in technique it's unbelievable. We are not even close to as advanced as we believe ourselves to be, we are primitive by comparison.
There are similar stone works around the world from similar eras (Incan America, South Pacific) that seem to employ techniques that we understand little of today.
It’d be of note to remember that Roman cement is still a secret to us, as is the work of some Renaissance and Baroque sculptors; the latter of whom employed techniques in sculpting that we can hardly replicate with 3-d printing techniques.
Yes they were beyond anything I have ever seen. So many details and nuggets of appreciation and trickery and humor and amazing techniques. Flabbergasted, time after time.
I stay close to karla
Agree.
Ancient Indian stonework > [insert anything here]
We don't have any sense of beauty and something which is longlasting. We want our product obsolete
India is just as stunning as Egypt, beyond amazing these works..
There is sooo much to look at
Maybe even more stunning. But just as mysterious.
Not really
Yeah such a travesty what they have done to the good people of India with the cashless slave society , millions now starving , being beaten up with sticks by the police for trying to get food . New Abnormal tho right ....
More so imo.
Those indian temples are so wonderful.
They really are
At 7:28 the inscription refers to the Chaitya being the most excellent in all of Jamudvipa. Jambudvipa is one of the many names of India including Bharat, Bharatvarsha and Hindusthan 🥰
I’m learning fast! I may get muddled from time to time but the viewers can help me, especially with new lines or research. Thanks
If we go by Plate Tectonics, the
sub-continent of India detached itself from the African Plate and traveled towards the Asian Plate and collided with it. Technically, in the interim period jspanning a few million years, the
sub-continent was an “Island” alright. Jambu-Dvipa🤔
@@sumanamjs Thats quite interesting. I was under the impression that Jambudvipa was just a name for India. During Mauryan-Shunga to Gupta times, many inscriptions refer to India as Jambudvipa including inscriptions written in Karnataka and Sri Lanka. However, I've just checked online that Jambu means the land of trees and Dvipa means island, continent or even planet. Perhaps, referring to India as Jambudvipa was a boastful statement akin to how the Chinese refer to themselves as Middle Kingdom but I doubt the ancient Indians had ever realised that India was once an island. Plate tectonics are quite a modern concept.
@@dwarasamudra8889 There is a wealth of Scientific and Technological information lying around, whose value we have been taught to scorn and dismiss out of hand by the British and other Western nations that subjugated us for a while. It also didn’t help that for centuries, only one particular community had a monopoly over education, due to the warping and ossification of a dynamic Social System that was based purely on occupation or profession which was freely exchangeable. This lead to loss of knowledge, understanding and transmission of the entire range of our heritage, scientific or otherwise. The politicians who followed the British encouraged this disconnect with our past, as did our own home grown “Historians” who are equally guilty in perpetuating this campaign, right from our school syllabus. The rest of the World seems to have documented our past far better than we have done or been allowed to do. We need to put these matters right. Starting with Plate Tectonics. Good luck!
Last time I was this early, the Pyramids were just a thought.
Finding these forays into Indian sites very refreshing. Thank you!
Thanks for being here
They say Sanskrit is the most grammatically precise language we know of today. These types of constructions seem to come from when our species were more Technologically advanced and enlightened than we are now.
Incredible. Why doesn't this get the same attention as Giza or the Mayan structures? This is just as fantastic and just as unbelievable if not more. There's not millions of tons of missing rock in Egypt or Mexico either. This is just incredible,the detail of the carving is incredible. It's incredible
Western bias does it. Egypt is revered cuz they had connections with the europeans.
I’m loving you are now documenting India’s temples and caves, there are so many to document that will blow your mind! Cambodia has so many amazing temples and stone work as well. Looking forward to all your further videos coming up. Amazing work keep it up!
Also have a video on Pakistan, Mali and Peru coming up next. Then another in india
Also check out Praveen Mohan, he really knows his shiz
@@Fuzzmo147 yes I follow him already, amazing guy and great videos too
Cambodia, like much of Southeast Asia, is historically a part of Greater India, hence why they're culturally very similar.
@@Fuzzmo147 Praveen believes in time travel. His views are invalid.
I believe these structures are many times older than modern history would have us believe.
Many continents have similarly comparative structures.
Welcome to the ancient rabbit hole.👍🇦🇺
That's how old ancient history says they are also. These things are reasonably well documented
Couldn't be happier to see you diving deep into India.
i love that you are searching india now, its a magical place....thank you
India has some really beautiful places
Yep - been amazing looking into it
Thank you once again. These are what I wanted to see, more cavern temples cut from the bedrock.
🇮🇳 has so many gems that it will take a lifetime to cover. Great that you have made a start. Thanks👍🏽💯🇬🇧
I think they have seriously underestimated the age of these works.
Lol. Why?
@@morkusmorkus6040 because they're ancient hindu temples, even the diagram he showed says circa 1st century bc, and it was already done, but supposedly didnt get started until 50 AD? Its not a coincidence that all of these ancient temples that have clear hindu origins were supposedly created in impossibly short times right when there's a religion or government change after a war. The conquerors find these ancient wonders, destroy most of the original statue's faces, and then renovate them and claim they did it all, and then don't create anything nearly as magnificent later
@@CynicalCreator A huge part of north western india was ruled by the greeks ( of budddhist followers ) during the same period. May be they got help 'koz hindu temples are not generally built as caves. and there are plenty of Hindu temples throughout India which are awesome in construction too..
My goodness, these caves and structures are stunning!
The ancient builder definitely had taste back then 1:53 ;-)
Hahaha
Their appreciation of the female form is appreciated by me too 👍
Mark Twain once said: "This is indeed India! [...] the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined." Prepare for centuries of digging my dearest! 🙏🏻💖
I love ancient Indian culture! So many amazing and unique places.
just what i needed after a hard day at work . thanks this stuff you're showing from India is jaw dropping , how the hell did they do this stuff .. it's amazing .
Enjoy!
The indian style of building temples is truly miraculous.
I don't know why but I read miraculous as hilarious 😂🤦🏻
You have done a fantastic job on your Egyptian and south American work but i'm thankful of the new direction and content with India. It's steeped in ancient history and has mind boggling ruins and "temples". As has Indonesia/Turkey/Russia/Armenia/Malta and many other countries but for me India has the most. You could spend decades talking about different ancient ruins there.
True. "Praveen Mohan" does it on youtube
I love the fact that you cover these amazing ancient engineering marvels without descending into woo! These seemingly impossible works are a testament to what can be achieved when humans dedicate themselves to a cause, proving that there is no challenge we can not overcome, if only we have the will to see it through.
More absolutely incredible Ancient Architecture from India! India is going to be difficult to handle by yourself as it is vast and the people were obviously artistically and architecturally prolific! You are doing a great job so far, Matt, so Keep Calm and Carry On☸
At first glance the engineering challenges are striking. After careful consideration, they begin to intimidate. And that's not even taking into account the logistics or the tools available for craftsman at the time. Truly remarkable.
@Pete 101
The majority of Indian temple work is in fact that; when you have hundreds of thousands of disposable laborers from lower castes chiseling at stone, your columns are gonna look very smooth and symmetrical 😆
@@sergpie That sounds a lot like the narrative of an infinite number of slaves building the Giza pyramids, in 20-30 years.
@Doggy Dog
I may agree with you more than you think. Look into the Aryans and how Buddha was anthropomorphized according to Greek aesthetic canon, and how Sanskrit and horses were nowhere to be found prior to their arrival in the subcontinent. 😉
Such a shame that these incredible sites don't seem to get much mainstream attention, certainly not as much as they deserve in my opinion.
Thankyou. Please show us more of India because it ties in with other megalithic builders around the world.
India blows my mind
Yep! Mine too
Yet another brilliant and inspiring video! The most fascinating aspect to all these discoveries is how their construction dates keep being pushed back the more we learn.
It does not matter how old these structures are or who built them: they are incredible feats of engineering. The precision and symmetry leaves absolutely no room for error in their construction. Seemingly impossible even with modern technology
Loved your videos !! Make more videos, whole world must know these stunning places ❣️🌟
I bet it looked mind boggling when they had just finished it and stood back to admire their handiwork. Amazing!!!!!!!!!
This is sooo interesting, places I've never heard of, big thanks
I remember that place with great joy and sadness. It seemed to be infused with an atmosphere of celebration and grief. And thank you so much, Sweet Alexandra, for taking me to such breathtaking places.
as per usual, really well put together and some epic content. i'm looking forward to the next instalment
Our human existence is way older than the current narrative
...way way older
Not older unknown
Well we have to go with evidence and the oldest human fossils found is about 300,000 years old. If you want to claim older then you need to provide the evidence.
@ZebraZ hard to say that either as technically we are a mutt of different hominid species... But that is the oldest known Homo-Sapien fossil.
@ZebraZ agree... That's why I called humans more of a mutt of hominid species. The 'Family Tree' is less of a 'Tree' and more of a 'Cluster****'. Wish I could remember the video I heard that phrase from but it is a perfect description of how convoluted it really is. 😂
Breathtaking architecture, unreal how all this was done without the use of modern tools. Thank you this video, so fascinating.
Great video, many of these places are unknown in the west. Such amazing architecture needs more exposure. Thank you! ☸️🙏
I’d like to see someone carve out caves like they did back then.
So many places to explore.
Wonderful Matt.
When I first heard about this I was so excited. At the end of the article when they mentioned Hawas and I was immediately suspect.
You’re right I am sure, about Egypt needing tourism. However, lying to the public is never a good idea.
They should instead focus on their amazing museums that hold their true discoveries.
I continue to enjoy your work, thank you!
Its great that u r talking about ancient indian monuments and cities, they have so many of them. This was amazing videos, when i imagine they did all of this just with hands and tools... yes, hands! Incredible really
Incredible indeed. Amazing work
That is absolutely incredible.
India is just.....woah..amazing with sculpture and in building..unbelievably skillful!
Great video ♥️Thank you 🙏🇮🇳
I can't wait for the next episode on India!
I have Pakistan, Mali and Peru coming up, then back to India next week for sure!
th-cam.com/video/B2Jl4HNDixc/w-d-xo.html
thanks. totally beautiful. now on my Bucket List.
There’s so many places to add
India, not Egypt, holds the answers to our true past.
Nope, it's Guildford in Surrey.
Wow , these are fabulous. Thank you, Matt.
❤⛰❤
Thanks Lynn!
Again: As with every other effort absolutely superb presentation
Thank you for your videos. I am constantly fascinated by these wonders. Humans are amazing.
My number 1 of all YT channels
Spectacular!
simply amazing... this is a monumental project even for today, the ancient people knew they can do it (meaning reasonable resources and time) and had the know how; design, planning, logistics, engineering, tools, construction... super ancient people!
Watching this video makes me wanna travel there, now! 🤪😎
I know exactly what you mean!
WOW It’s just magnificent thank you
Hello mate ! Your channel is great ! Keep em videos coming !!!
Since most people keep wondering about the origins of these ancient architectural marvels, I wanna share something very important.
The Knowledge of Rock Cut Architecture travelled from Egypt to Greece to India to the Rest of Asia. Here's the evidence :
For the Egyptian Origin of Greek Architecture, read 'Chapter 5' of 'Egypt the Birthplace of Greek Decorative Art' by Egyptologist Amelia Edwards.
For the Greek Origin of Indian Architecture, read 'The Ship in the Cave: The Greek and Nautical Origin of Buddhist Architecture' by José M. Ciordia
If you ever make a video about the Evolution of Ancient Architecture, please mention me in the video. Haha ! 😂
I will! Thanks for this information. And thanks for your kind comments!
No worries mate ! Take Care ! 😄
Nice vid Matt
So are the arches, that line the ceiling, wood or carved from the basalt? India fascinate me with all her intricately carved temples. Please do more on temples from there.
Thank you
Wow, what a beautiful place!
Beautiful!
So nice to see the work of other , well, ancient architects. (pun intended). It is most impressive what they did.
Great!! Glad you're covering ancient Indian buddhists caves!👍 There's also *Bhaja caves* nearby.. It's beautiful! Also there is *LOHGAD Fort* which is just 10km away from Karla caves... Some inscription on the fort dates back to 2nd & 1st BC..! It's amazing architecture!! You'll definitely love it.😊
We usually visit these caves & fort in monsoon season! It's just gets heavenly beautiful🏞 in the rainy seasons as its situated in western ghats, scenery is just mind-blowing!🌸😅
Yes - been looking at the Bhaja Caves - not far at all.
Fascinating. Thank you.
Thanks for watching
@@AncientArchitects we always love like and share. Peace from Berkshire.
India just keeps on giving
Beautiful 👏👍
This is solid journalism
Thank you, I have been to alora and ajanta but I haven't here'd of this one, although cave 8's rib cage design reminds me of a small one at ajanta carved in stone. It created an other worldly amplification echo of sound that swirled round and round, fantastic for chanting, plus you could hear everything loud and clear from the outside. I wonder if this rib cave does the same thing.
The acoustics in that place must be amazing...... anyone got any impulse responses?
I’d love to go one day
It seems that the inscriptions of the "donors" are of a crude fashion compared to the precision of the columns. Could the original carvings and cavern be much older and then reinhabited by a later culture?
Great work as always 👏 I recommend researching the many beautiful stepwells of Gujarat including Rani Ki Vav, Adalaj and Modhera 🥰
I did one on Rani Ki Vav last week, or the week before. INCREDIBLE place!
INDIA HAS THE MOST INCREDIBLE STONE WORK IN THE WORLD HANDS DOWN AND SOOOO MANY OF THEM. I WISH THEY'RE WAS MORE PEOPLE THAT COULD EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE SHAPES AND STRUCTURES OF THESE INCREDIBLE SO CALLED CARVINGS
Always grateful for your notifications. Thanks again.
Digging your new style.
Though my travels in India are very sparse, compared with other parts of the world - I've not made it to this Amazing site - I do think like you ,regarding the incredibly rich trove of sites to say nothing of the history. It's one of the places that I've had to exempt from my studies of ancient history, as having "dipped my toe in the water" more than 30 years ago & at some points since, contextualising other research, there is simply too much that really doesn't seem to fit the present narrative/time line. I would even go so far as to state that the British Empire went out of its way to muddy the true history of this incredible country. I am really enjoying your current series & look forward to more. Very best wishes to you&yours,but be warned. ..once you start investigating and questioning you may find yourself down a rabbit hole that doesn't appear to have a bottom & multiple biafricating tunnels.Good luck👋🌟💯✌
You are very correct good sir.
@@randmht9976 Thank you,that's very kind. Wishing you&yours very best wishes in these strange times👋🌟💯✌
Another brilliant video Thank you.
what did they use the space for? meetings?
I presume you have come across the inimitable PraveenMohan channel? He often detours into surreal speculations but has some great detailed film of so many sites.
The quality of workmanship in the Buddhist/Hindu region is quite fantastic, every bit as accomplished as the best Egypt has.
Yes, I’ve exchanged a few emails with Praveen a couple of years ago. Nice guy and huge channel!
Yes I also follow Praveen Mohan his Channel is excellent. He has also gone to investigate many ancient sites in Sri Lanka and Cambodia as well. Some really mind blowing structures to see, huge stone temples, castles, forts and etc. The running theme is that most of these stone carved structures were all initially built by the followers & in honour of Shiva, Brahrma, Vishnu all the Hindu Gods.
Very nice
India is so overlooked by so many
Excellent video
Thanks mate
The petroglyphs of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra would be an interesting topic for you to cover.
The enormous labor and hours needed to create these is mind boggling.
One has to wonder that, given the incredibly ornate and evocative nature of the pillars and other carvings, why names were inscribed - almost as an afterthought and in lesser style - on them.
I suspect it would not have been the first or last time somebody came afterwards to take credit for a great masterpiece
I couldn’t imagine modern man making something like this
Nice work Matt.. the ave systems all across the old silk road were amazing the bhaja caves were amazing and the kaliash caves have x9 hidden sub levels praveen shows one I have photos of what I think is one aswell il show you when we meet. All the best Phil aav
Kailash is incredible
@@AncientArchitects absolutley agree with that Matt
😯 wow!
Somehow I like the curvature of these statues more than the ones from Egypt or Peru, wonder why? Thanks
😂
Angkor wat....it's just mind-blowing Temple! All carved...from bottom to top! Almost at the level of the pyramid...any level! It's in your planes for sure...
I find it great that your doing a bunch segments on ancient India !
I’m really enjoying it too
Truly magical as much of ancient India was. It appears to me the carvings of donors names look far more recent than the rock works themselves. As has happened around the world people reinhabit ancient sites they find and try to take credit for them to build prestige. But maybe the inscriptions just tend to degrade slower than other things nearby.
My native is just 70 km from Ajanta & 170 km from Ellora/Kailas (Verul) caves.
Saw them when I was a kid.
Another interesting fact is that, there is another caves named as Pitalkhora caves, which situated near Ajanta/ Ellora & predates Ajanta itself.
Another historic/ tourist place nearby is Fort of Daulatabad, an engineering marvel, which for a short period of time was capital of India.
India is unbelievable.
Yup
Wonders and traderouts; Makes me think of Petra in Jordan =)
The outside area looks very weathered for being basalt and "only" 2k years old...
They do look very weathered. Good observation
It is much older, probably 12000 years old or more. I dont know why present day archeology stuck in stupid and it is not based on empirical science
Amazing! What tools were they using??
Indian stonework has an elegance to it that other countries don't
The labour, tools and time is one thing, but what intrigues me are the following: Blue prints, mathematical change, artistic challenge, designers and above all the strength of man's imagination?!