Conceptual Reconstruction of the Rock-cut Cave Excavation Process – A Case Study of Shelarwadi Caves, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Rock-cut caves of ancient India, from Barabar and Nagarjuni hills in Eastern India to Ajanta, Karla, Bhaja in the western Deccan are an architectural marvel of ancient India. This technology can be seen from as early as 3rd century BCE right until the 14th century CE. Many theories have been proposed on architectural proficiency, variations in plans, stone sculpting techniques, stylistic variation, and chronology of evolution. Sources like epigraphs and literature have also contributed to these theories. Due to entirely different process of creation, which is excavation, these caves differ from the temples in architectural and structural designs, planning and execution and in theories of their evolution. Unlike built form, the process of excavation offers less scope for rework or replan. It thus indicates that the excavation must have been very well planned and managed to avoid any runtime changes. Present experimental research is an effort to understand and conceptualize the basic processes involved in the excavation of a cave. It includes the parameters considered in the process of excavation such as planning, effort/cost estimation, labour issues, change mitigation planning and actual execution. Understanding the planning part involves the processes of site/ rock identification, basic cave design, and effort estimation. In this preliminary work, we propose to use modern-day project management approach to explain these parameters which are devoid of attention in the historical, stylistic or evolutionary studies of rock-cut architecture within India