Coined the 'Khajuraho of Sariska' and 'Khajuraho of Aravalli', the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple situated atop a hillock in the midst of stunning natural beauty is a prized architectural gem of the ancient times. This temple located deep inside the protected Sariska Tiger Reserve is believed to have been established by the Pancha Pandavas. According... Continue Reading →
The Baroli group of Temples, one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan has received much admiration from historians, artisans, architects and archaeologists for its sublime beauty and elegance. Since its discovery during the British Raj, this temple complex has been researched in detail, photographed and written about in many publications. The oldest, largest... Continue Reading →
Sringar Chauri, an elegant ranga mandapa is the last structure built in the Badoli group of Temples. Deemed to be the finest of its time, this late 10th century edifice is largely accepted to be an extension to the famous Ghateshwara Temple. This pillared hall on plan has a square space in the middle with... Continue Reading →
The Trimurti Temple (also known as the Sadashiva Temple or Maheshwara Temple or Trimurti Shiva Temple) in the Baroli group of Temples is perhaps one of the most underrated temples of its time. Listed as Temple No. 4 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this 10th century temple is a fine example of the... Continue Reading →
The Seshashayan Temple listed as Temple No. 2 in the Baroli group of Temples by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a 10th century edifice of the Gurjara – Pratiharas. This temple stands near the Shiv Temple built in the middle of the ancient kund. The original temple in plan had an ardha mandapa,... Continue Reading →
Listed as Temple No. 3 in the Baroli group of Temples by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the 10th century Shiv Temple seated in the middle of an ancient kund is an outstanding example of artistic excellence, architectural mastery and unique sculptural art. This temple built by the Gurjara – Pratiharas in the typical Nagara... Continue Reading →
The Ganesha Temple listed as Temple No. 8 in the Baroli group of Temples by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a stunning 10th century edifice. This temple built by the Gurjara – Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture is a fine example of understated elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. This south... Continue Reading →
One of the most beautiful temples in the Baroli group of Temples is the 10th century Ashtamata Temple. This temple built by the Gurjara - Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture is an outstanding example of subtle elegance combined with exquisite craftsmanship. The temple also known as Mahishasura Mardini Temple faces east... Continue Reading →
The Baroli group of Temples located in the sleepy village of Baroli is an excellent example of 10th century temple architecture. Built by the Gurjara - Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style, this temple complex is one of the earliest of its kind comprising of nine temples built as per the tenets of the Shilpa... Continue Reading →
The magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the 8th century. Though most of these temples are in ruins today, they still manage to exude quietude, charm and elegance. One such temple is the ancient Shiva Temple located to the east of the Golera group of temples that has now... Continue Reading →
Maharana Kumbha is considered to be one of the finest architects of the 15th century and highly proficient in Sanskrit, ancient Hindu literature, scriptures and treatises particularly the Shilpa Shastra. Every edifice commissioned by him has proved to be an excellent example to understand the science of Hindu philosophy and tenets of Shilpa Shastra. ... Continue Reading →
Surya Mandir, listed as Suraj Devri by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a 15th century (1433 - 1468 CE) temple built by Maharana Kumbha. Located near the western part of the fort enclosure, the temple sits majestically atop a hillock offering a panoramic view of the fort and its surroundings. This west... Continue Reading →
Charbhuja Temple located to the right of the famed Ganesh Temple at Ram Pol exudes quietude and simplicity. This temple was built between 1443 - 1468 CE by the exemplary Maharana Kumbha. The temple is built on a steep slope and has its own enclosure with an entrance on the east. The temple sits... Continue Reading →
One of the earliest temples of the Kumbhalgarh Fort complex is the Ganesha Temple located near the famed Ram Pol. This temple is yet another magnificent edifice built by the master builder Maharana Kumbha between 1443 – 1468 CE. The temple stands majestically on a raised platform built according to the topography and is... Continue Reading →
Kumbhalgarh Fort, a magnificent edifice constructed under the visionary leadership of Maharana Kumbha is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the late 8th century. The fort was built on an existing fortified structure of the early 8th century. Though the final shape and layout of this architectural, structural and engineering marvel was achieved... Continue Reading →
Kumbhalgarh Fort, a wonderous architectural and structural feat is dotted with stunning temples of different periods. This fort conceived by the master builder, Maharana Kumbha was built over an existing fortified structure of perhaps the early 8th century. Maharana Kumbha is deemed to be one of the finest architects of the 15th century and... Continue Reading →
Maharana Kumbha is considered to be one of the finest architects of the 15th century with a deep understanding of ancient Hindu philosophy and treatises particularly the Shilpa Shastra. Known to be a master builder way ahead of his time, Maharana Kumbha has built spectacular edifices that will leave you awestruck. One such masterpiece... Continue Reading →
The mighty Jhalas became a formidable force in the Saurashtra region by the late 11th century and formed seats of power at Santalpur, Halvad and Kankavati. They established the capital city of Dhrangadhra in the mid-18th century which eventually became a princely state till Independence. Dhrangadhra has been of tremendous interest to historians, archaeologists... Continue Reading →
Perhaps, one of the deepest stepwells in Gujarat, the Bhamaria vav located a little away from the hustle and bustle of Sojali village has remained in obscurity for centuries. This 15th century vav was built as a pavilion inside an existing well-laid out garden. Though the stepwell and the surroundings are in ruins today, the imposing... Continue Reading →
One of the earliest stepwells or vavs of Gujarat is the 11th century Mata Bhavani ni vav located at Asarva in Ahmedabad. This east-facing vav was built by the Solankis and renovated by the Vaghelas in the 14th century before being confiscated by the Gujarat Sultanate. Interestingly, this vav is one of the longest along the east -... Continue Reading →
Stepwells built in Akhanda Bharat since the ancient times offer valuable insight into the social and cultural propensity, religious practices and architecture and art of that period. These vavs are ingenious edifices built with locally available materials and display a rare harmony of structural soundness and architectural excellence. It is very uncommon to find stepwells... Continue Reading →
Gujarat is dotted with innumerable stepwells that offer a glimpse into the religious and social practices, cultural traditions and customs and art and architecture of that period. Though a fair number of these have either fallen into a state of disrepair or disuse, there is a spirited movement across the state by several heritage enthusiasts... Continue Reading →
One of the lesser-known stepwells built in the 12th century by the valorous Siddharaja Jayasimha of the Solankis is the Brahma Kund in Sihor. This magnificent structure has in fact also great spiritual significance and has even been mentioned in the Puranas thereby, suggesting that this stepwell was built around an ancient kund. As... Continue Reading →
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