The grotto temples serve as significant vehicles for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and other civilizations. In recent years, archaeological research on China's grotto temples has achieved notable progress, with multidisciplinary approaches significantly expanding the scope of studies. Increasing attention has been devoted not only to the interiors of grottoes but also to the front-cave structures and associated monastic remains. The proliferation of archaeological discoveries and research on front-cave structures has illuminated the intricate relationships between these remains and the grotto chambers. Reviewing the century-long history of archaeological exploration and the development of related studies is crucial for summarizing past achievements, enhancing the understanding of front-cave remains, and providing valuable insights for the future advancement of grotto temple archaeology.
This thesis is organized into three main sections: the archaeological discoveries and excavation history of front-cave architectural remains, the trajectory of related research, and conclusions with prospects. The first two sections adopt a historical literature approach, systematically collecting and analyzing materials to chronicle key discoveries and research milestones in a phased manner. The conclusions and prospects section synthesizes findings from the preceding sections to outline the developmental and evolutionary patterns of front-cave studies. Furthermore, a comparative research method contextualizes the discoveries and research on front-cave structures within the broader history of China's grotto temple archaeology. Using the developmental trajectory of grotto temples as a reference framework, the study examines three dimensions: the history of field archaeology, research contributions by specific institutions, and the evolution of theoretical perspectives guiding these efforts. By comparing the academic history of front-cave studies with those of Chinese grotto temples, Chinese archaeology, and global archaeology, the thesis reflects on key aspects of archaeological work, research methodologies, and interpretive frameworks related to front-cave remains, while offering recommendations for future research directions.