Unit 4: Case Studies of Archaeological Sites
This unit requires a study of specific, major archaeological sites in India. For exams, you should be able to identify their location, key patrons (if known), time period, and most important features/finds.
1. Sun Temple, Konarak
- Location: Konarak, Odisha.
- Dedicated to: Surya, the Sun God.
- Period/Patron: 13th Century CE, built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
- Significance (Architecture):
- It is the pinnacle of Kalinga (Odishan) temple architecture.
- The entire temple complex is designed as a colossal chariot (ratha) for the Sun God.
- It features 24 intricately carved stone wheels (representing the 24 fortnights of the year, or hours of the day) and is "pulled" by 7 stone horses (representing the 7 days of the week).
- Archaeological/Structural Note:
- The temple had two main parts: the Jagamohana (assembly hall) and the Deul (main sanctum tower).
- The main Deul, which was reportedly over 200 feet high, collapsed centuries ago.
- The surviving structure, which we see today, is the impressive Jagamohana.
- The site is also famous for its intricate and explicit erotic sculptures.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Sanchi Stupa
- Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
- Type of Site: Buddhist monastic complex.
- Period/Patron:
- Originally built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BCE) as a smaller brick stupa.
- Later expanded into its current stone form by the Shunga dynasty (2nd Century BCE).
- The four ornamental gateways (Toranas) were added later by the Satavahana dynasty (1st Century BCE).
- Significance (Architecture & Art):
- It is a Stupa: a solid, hemispherical dome (anda) meant to house relics of the Buddha or a holy person.
- The main stupa (Stupa 1) is surrounded by a railing (vedika) and four highly elaborate gateways (toranas) at the cardinal directions.
- Iconography: The carvings on the toranas are the most important feature. They show scenes from the life of the Buddha and from the Jataka tales (stories of his-previous-lives).
- Aniconic Representation: In this early phase of Buddhist art, the Buddha himself is never shown in human form. He is represented by symbols:
- Bodhi Tree (Enlightenment)
- Wheel (First Sermon)
- Empty Throne (Presence)
- Footprints
3. Hampi
- Location: Hampi, Karnataka (on the banks of the Tungabhadra River).
- Significance: It was the capital city of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire.
- Period: c. 14th to 16th Centuries CE.
- Archaeological Features:
- It is not a single site, but a vast (over 25 sq km) "city of ruins."
- The site is divided into the Sacred Centre (with temples) and the Royal Centre (with palaces, administrative buildings, etc.).
- Key Structures:
- Virupaksha Temple: The main active temple.
- Vittala Temple: Famous for its Stone Chariot and "musical pillars" (which resonate with sound when tapped).
- Royal Enclosure: Contains the Mahanavami Dibba (a great platform for festivals), step-wells (pushkarinis), and the Queen's Bath.
- Zenana Enclosure: Includes the Lotus Mahal, a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- End of the City: The city was famously sacked by a confederacy of Deccan Sultanates after the Battle of Talikota (1565) and was abandoned.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Madan Kamdev Temple
- Location: Baihata Chariali, near Guwahati, Assam.
- Period/Patron: 10th-12th Centuries CE, associated with the Pala Dynasty of Kamarupa.
- Significance:
- It is a large complex of ruined temples, with one main temple and over 20 subsidiary shrines.
- The main temple is dedicated to Shiva.
- Sculptural Art: The site is known as the "Khajuraho of Assam."
- It is famous for its profusion of erotic sculptures and other carvings depicting gods, goddesses, animals, and celestial beings.
- The archaeological ruins (discovered in the 1970s) provide the most extensive evidence for the temple-building traditions and sculptural art of medieval Assam.
5. Khaspur
- Location: Cachar District, Assam.
- Significance: It was the capital of the Dimasa Kingdom.
- Period: 16th to 19th Centuries CE (after the Dimasa rulers moved their capital from Dimapur/Maibang).
- Archaeological Features (Ruins):
- The ruins represent the last phase of the Dimasa monarchy.
- Singha Dwar (Lion Gate): The main gateway to the palace, an impressive brick structure.
- Palace Ruins: The foundations and remains of the royal palace.
- Temples: Includes the Snan Mandir (Bathing Temple) and other temples.
- Architectural Style: The ruins show a unique blend of indigenous Dimasa traditions, Bengali (Gaur) influences (seen in the arches and domes), and Mughal elements.
Exam Tip: For this unit, be prepared for "short notes" questions. For each site, memorize its:
1. Location (State)
2. Time Period / Dynasty
3. One or two key features (e.g., Konarak = Chariot, Sanchi = Toranas, Hampi = Stone Chariot, Madan Kamdev = Erotic Sculptures, Khaspur = Dimasa Capital).
1. Location (State)
2. Time Period / Dynasty
3. One or two key features (e.g., Konarak = Chariot, Sanchi = Toranas, Hampi = Stone Chariot, Madan Kamdev = Erotic Sculptures, Khaspur = Dimasa Capital).