Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? |ForumIAS

Q. 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] Vihara is a cave constructed on bottom of hill and Chaitya is a cave constructed on top of the hill.

Answer: B

Notes:

‘Vihara’ is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a Buddhist monastery. It originally means ‘a secluded place to walk’, and referred to ‘dwellings’ used by wandering monks during the rainy season.

A Chaitya is a Buddhist shrine or prayer hall with a Stupa at one end. In modern texts on Indian architecture, the term ‘Chaitya-Griha’ is often used to denote an assembly or prayer hall that houses a Stupa.

Source: Indian Express

Q. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

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