Rock-cut architecture holds a special position in the history of Indian architecture. The Barabar caves, the earliest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, dating from the third to second centuries BCE. These are vast galleries carved out of solid limestone cliffs by unknown artists. The Barabar caves are located in West Bengal, near the town of Barbil. They cover an area of about 20 acres and contain more than 150 sculptures, some as old as 2000 years ago. Among these ancient sculptures can be found animals, humans, and even a few scenes from daily life. There are also several chambers where paintings still remain visible on the walls and ceilings. The style of the sculptures at Barabar is unique for Indian art. They show influence from various parts of Asia including Central Asia, China, and Indonesia. This indicates that there must have been many trade routes between India and those countries at that time. Barbar was once part of an island continent called "Kalinga" which has been identified with either Cambodia or Burma. Kalinga was invaded by Arab merchants around 700 CE, who built mosques in the barbarian kingdoms they conquered. These merchants probably came from Iraq or Iran and brought with them new styles of architecture which later became popular in India.