Illustrated Lecture: Buddhist Rock-Cut Monasteries of the Western Ghats Drs. George Michell and Gethin Rees

RAS Event Flyer Final

27 MARCH 2018 6.30PM; followed by wine reception
ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY
14 STEPHENSON WAY
LONDON, NW1 2HD
Please rsvp to: ar@royalasiaticosciety.org
This lecture marks the publication of an illustrated guidebook coauthored
by the archaeologist Dr. Gethin Rees and the
architectural historian Dr. George Michell, recently issued by the
Deccan Heritage Foundation. The volume focuses not on the well
known rock-cut sites of Ajanta and Ellora, but on the less visited,
but no less significant sites near the towns of Nashik and Junnar,
and at Karla, Bhaja Bedsa, Kondane and Kanheri, all in the rugged
landscape of the Westerrn Ghats in Maharashtra. Known as
chaityas and viharas, these magnificent shrines and dwellings
were cut into the basalt cliffs of the Western Ghats more than
2,000 years ago. They survive today as among the earliest and
best-preserved examples of Buddhist architecture and art in all
India.
Located near to trade routes that wound their way through
mountain passes, linking the lucrative Arabian Sea ports of
peninsular India to the Deccan hinterland, the cutting of the caves
together with their resident monks and nuns were supported by
merchants and craft guilds, as well as by local kings and queens. In
the lecture Rees will discuss the historic, economic and geographic
background to the monasteries, while Michell will focus on the
architectural developments during these early times and the
carvings that adorned the various shrines and dwellings.
Copies of the 128 page guidebook may be purchased after the
lecture at a cost of £15.00, payable by cash or cheque only.