UPSC Prelims 2013 Q36: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
Some Buddhist rock - cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What
is the difference between the two?
- (a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
- (b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
- (c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
- (d) There is no material difference between the two
Answer: (b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
Explanation
Chaitya and Vihara
| Feature | Chaitya | Vihara |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Place of worship (prayer hall) | Dwelling place of the monks (monastery) |
| Plan | Long hall with a rounded end (apsidal) and rows of pillars | Central hall with small cells around it |
| Inside | A stupa at the far end | Rock-cut beds; later, a shrine with a Buddha image |
| Roof | Barrel-vaulted, with a horseshoe-shaped chaitya window | Flat |
Famous examples:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Chaitya | Karle (the largest), Bhaja, Ajanta Caves 9, 10, 19 and 26 |
| Vihara | Ajanta Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17; Nashik caves |
The options checked: (a) reverses the two; (c) wrongly calls the chaitya the stupa itself; (d) is wrong because the difference is real.
Answer: (b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This reverses the two: the vihara is the dwelling, the chaitya is for worship.
- (b) CORRECT. Chaitya is a place of worship; Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks.
- (c) Incorrect. The chaitya is the whole prayer hall, not just the stupa at its end.
- (d) Incorrect. There is a material difference in use and plan.
Key point
Chaitya = prayer hall with a stupa (Karle, Bhaja). Vihara = monastery with cells for monks (Ajanta Caves 1, 2, 16, 17).
Remember
Chaitya = worship; Vihara = residence.
Common mistakes
- Swapping chaitya and vihara.
- Thinking the chaitya is only the stupa.
- Forgetting that Karle has the largest chaitya hall.
Exam tip
Vihara = where monks live (Bihar comes from 'vihara'). Chaitya = where they pray.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art, Ch 4 (Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)