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).