A monastery for Buddhist renunciates is known as a Vihara. The concept is ancient, and it denoted any arrangement of space or amenities for habitation in early Sanskrit and Pali texts. In Buddhism, the phrase has evolved into an architectural notion that refers to monks' living quarters with an open communal space or courtyard. This article will explain to you the concepts related to the Viharas which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

What are Viharas exactly?

• Vihara is a Sanskrit word having context-sensitive meanings that appears in various Vedic texts. It refers to a "distribution, transposition, separation, or arrangement" of words, sacred fires, or sacrificial land in general.
• Its post-Vedic connotation is more explicitly a type of rest house, temple, or monastery in Indian ascetic traditions, especially for a community of monks.
• Vihara is the name for a Buddhist renunciate monastery. In early Sanskrit and Pali writings, the word meant any arrangement of space or amenities for dwelling.
• In Indian architecture, particularly ancient Indian rock-cut architecture, vihara or vihara hall has a more specific significance.
• It refers to a central hall with little cells connected to it, sometimes with stone-carved beds. Some have a shrine cell set back from the back wall, with a stupa in early specimens or a Buddha-figure later.
• Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Karli Caves, and Kanheri Caves are examples of huge sites with multiple viharas. An adjacent chaitya or worship hall was mentioned by others.
• The vihara was built to provide a rainy-day shelter for Monks.
• The term has become an architectural concept in Buddhism, referring to monks' dwelling quarters with an open public space or courtyard.

Vihara

Historical background

• The origins of viharas are unknown. For Ajivikas, Buddhists, and Jainas, monasteries in the shape of caves date back to centuries before the Common Era.
• The Maurya Empire influenced the rock-cut architecture found in cave viharas from the 2nd century BCE.
• Ellora's viharas, which date from 400 AD to the 7th century AD, are the largest of their kind, with three stories. They are both Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist in origin and contain sculpted figures.

Viharas - Significance

• Viharas were monasteries that were built to house monks.
• Viharas began as temporary shelters for wandering monks during the rainy season, but because of gifts from affluent lay Buddhists, they soon blossomed into centers of scholarship and Buddhist architecture.
• Many Viharas, such as Nalanda, became globally famous, and their Buddhist teachings were spread throughout Asia, especially China and Tibet, where Buddhism thrived.
• The majority of viharas were built out of brick or cut out of rock.
• Viharas usually follow a predetermined layout, with a hall dedicated to communal prayer on three sides and a pillared verandah in front, or an open courtyard encircled by a row of cells and a pillared verandah in front.
• The Hinayana viharas located in these locations have several distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from Mahayana viharas in the same areas.
• There are one or more entrances to these halls. Each of the little compartments has one or two stone platforms that serve as beds.
• Large rectangular courtyards with stone-paved central halls have been discovered during vihara excavations at Nagarjunakonda. The row of tiny and large cells that surround the courtyard reflects monks' quarters and dining halls.
• Viharas are the greatest of monasteries, and twenty-five of Ajanta's rock-cut caves are viharas.
• It features a well-decorated exterior. The portico is supported by pillars with intricate carvings. Dwarf figures and ornately carved brackets and capitals adorn the square bases of the columns.
• A square abacus with elaborately carved makara designs sits beneath the capital. The cave's walls and ceilings are covered in artwork.
• The monks used these cells as their living quarters. These brick monastery buildings were self-contained entities with a Chaitya hall or Chaitya mandir linked to the main object of worship, the stupa.
• Ajanta and Ellora are two of the most important Buddhist viharas. Nasik, Karle, Kanheri, Bagh, and Badami are some of the cities in Nasik.

Conclusion

Local kings constructed monasteries as Buddhism expanded throughout Southeast Asia. The name vihara is still used to refer to monasteries/temples, sometimes known as wat, but it has taken on a narrower connotation in Thailand, referring to certain structures within the temple complex. Aside from the main ubosot (ordination hall), the wihan is a structure that houses a Buddha image.The wihan is a lecture hall or an assembly hall in various temples where rites such as the kathina are held. Many of these Theravada viharas contain a sacred Buddha image that has been solemnly dedicated by the monks.

FAQs 

Q1: What were Viharas in Ancient India?

Q2: What was the architectural significance of Viharas?

Q3: How did Viharas contribute to the spread of Buddhism?

Q4: Where were Viharas commonly located in India?

Q5: What role did Viharas play in Indian culture?

MCQs

1. What was the primary function of Viharas in Ancient India?

a) Trade centers

b) Monasteries for monks

c) Agricultural hubs

d) Royal residences

2. Where were the earliest Viharas built in India?

a) Gandhara

b) Magadha

c) Kalinga

d) Kashmir

3. Which of the following architectural features is common in Viharas?

a) Large open-air theaters

b) Rooms for meditation and monastic living

c) Royal palaces

d) Marketplaces

4. Which dynasty supported the development of Viharas in India?

a) Maurya

b) Gupta

c) Chola

d) Mughals

5. What is the relationship between Viharas and Stupas in ancient India?

a) They were separate entities with no link

b) Viharas were built inside Stupas

c) Viharas were built near Stupas for monks to meditate

d) Stupas were smaller versions of Viharas

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of Viharas in the cultural and intellectual development of ancient India.

Answer: Viharas played a pivotal role in the cultural and intellectual development of ancient India. They were not only centers of Buddhist religious practice but also hubs for learning. Scholars and monks from across India and beyond visited these Viharas for educational purposes, thus fostering intellectual exchange. Viharas encouraged the preservation and transmission of Buddhist texts, helped in the spread of Buddhism, and contributed to the development of various art forms, including architecture and sculpture. The presence of Viharas in trade routes facilitated cultural interactions, allowing Buddhism to spread far and wide across the subcontinent.

Q2: Explain the architectural features and layout of Viharas in Ancient India.

Answer: Viharas were primarily designed as monastic residences, consisting of simple yet functional architectural features. They typically had a central courtyard surrounded by rooms where monks lived, meditated, and studied. Viharas were often built in close proximity to stupas, facilitating religious activities. Many Viharas featured spacious halls, meditation rooms, and sometimes large, open galleries. The structures reflected the simplicity and austerity of Buddhist monastic life. The influence of Indian architectural styles is evident in the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorned the walls of some Viharas, showcasing the blend of religious and artistic practices.

Q3: Analyze the significance of the Gupta period in the development of Viharas.

Answer: The Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) was a golden age for the development of Viharas. The Gupta rulers were patrons of Buddhism, and their support led to the construction of several grand Viharas across the subcontinent. These structures became centers for the study of Buddhist texts and philosophy, attracting scholars from different parts of the world. The Gupta period also saw advancements in art and architecture, which are reflected in the decoration and layout of these Viharas. The thriving intellectual environment in the Viharas contributed significantly to the preservation of Buddhist teachings and cultural transmission, making this period crucial in the history of Viharas.

Previous Year Questions on Viharas

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017

Question: Which of the following is/are true regarding the Gupta period in Indian history?

1. The period saw the development of several Viharas.

2. Gupta rulers patronized Buddhism and promoted Buddhist culture.

3. Gupta rulers were mainly focused on military conquests, ignoring religious institutions.

Answer: 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation: The Gupta period was a time of great cultural development, with a strong focus on the promotion of Buddhist institutions, including the construction of Viharas. The Gupta rulers, particularly Chandragupta I and Samudragupta, were patrons of Buddhism, fostering religious and intellectual growth through Viharas. Contrary to military focus, they encouraged peace and religious education, making this period significant for the cultural flourishing of the Indian subcontinent.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020

Question: Discuss the contributions of Viharas to the intellectual life of ancient India.

Answer: Viharas were central to the intellectual and cultural life of ancient India, particularly during the Gupta period. They provided a space for monks and scholars to live and study, thus facilitating the preservation of Buddhist texts and the exchange of philosophical ideas. These institutions became focal points for academic discourse, attracting students and scholars from across Asia. The presence of Viharas on trade routes further promoted cultural diffusion, making them crucial in the intellectual development of the time. Their influence extended beyond religious studies, impacting art, literature, and architectural practices.