As the most spectacular example of ancient art specimen, rock or natural stone-built architecture holds a significant position in the history of Indian architecture. Natural stone is regarded as the most durable material and holds a dominant position in all building materials due to its superb mechanical properties and ability to provide the highest level of protection from outside threats. These stones were used as dimension stones, ornamental stones, and for the majority of sculptures during the ancient era. The majority of the buildings had strong ties to different religions, arts, and historical periods, and they contributed to the economy by serving as tourist attractions. Additionally, these rock-built buildings are important examples of modern geotechnical, structural, and handiwork engineering accomplishments. However, the preservation and degradation of these buildings are two crucial aspects of any nation's history and legacy. To safeguard heritage structures for future generations, it is crucial to address the factors that are causing these structures to deteriorate, including pollution, climate change, poor maintenance, natural disasters, wars, insects, and biogenic activities. This review mainly emphasizes the reasons behind the deterioration of historic buildings their characterization and current approaches for preservation and sustainable remediation.