<P> Indian rock - cut architecture is more various and found in greater abundance than any other form of rock - cut architecture around the world . Rock - cut architecture is the practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock . Rock that is not part of the structure is removed until the only rock left is the architectural elements of the excavated interior . Indian rock - cut architecture is mostly religious in nature . </P> <P> There are more than 1,500 known rock cut structures in India . Many of these structures contain artwork of global importance, and most are adorned with exquisite stone carvings . These ancient and medieval structures represent significant achievements of structural engineering and craftsmanship . </P> <P> In India, caves have long been regarded as places of sanctity . Caves that were enlarged or entirely man - made were felt to hold the same sanctity as natural caves . In fact, the sanctuary in all Indian religious structures, even free - standing ones, retains the same cave - like feeling of sacredness, being small and dark without natural light . The oldest rock - cut architecture is found in the Barabar caves, Bihar built around the 3rd century BC . Other early cave temples are found in the western Deccan, mostly Buddhist shrines and monasteries, dating between 100 BC and 170 AD . Originally, they were probably accompanied by wooden structures, which would have deteriorated over time . Historically, rock - cut temples have retained a wood - like theme in adornment; skilled craftsmen learned to mimic timber texture, grain, and structure . The earliest cave temples include the Bhaja Caves, the Karla Caves, the Bedse Caves, the Kanheri Caves, and some of the Ajanta Caves . Relics found in these caves suggest a connection between the religious and the commercial, as Buddhist missionaries often accompanied traders on the busy international trading routes through India . Some of the more sumptuous cave temples, commissioned by wealthy traders, included pillars, arches, and elaborate facades during the time maritime trade boomed between the Roman Empire and south - east Asia . </P>

Which is the largest rock cut temple in india