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

In Buddhist rock-cut architecture, Chaityas and Viharas serve distinct functional purposes. A Chaitya (or Chaitya-griha) is primarily a place of worship or a prayer hall [1]. Architecturally, it is characterized by a vaulted ceiling, a long hall, and a stupa or Buddha statue located at the rear end for congregational prayer and circumambulation [3]. In contrast, a Vihara refers to a monastery or dwelling place for Buddhist monks [2]. Viharas typically consist of a central hall surrounded by small cubical cells that served as residential quarters, where monks lived, studied, and preached religious scriptures [2]. While both structures are integral to Buddhist monastic complexes like Ajanta and Ellora, the Chaitya functioned as the religious sanctuary while the Vihara provided the necessary residential and educational infrastructure for the monastic community [2].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Architecture and Sculpture > p. 128
2. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaitya
3. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Heterodox I / Buddhist caves > p. 127