๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ข
The site of Sanchi comprises a group of Buddhist monuments dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D.
The reign of Mauryan emperor Aลoka in 3rd century BCE is considered instrumental in spread of Buddhism in Indian subcontinent. With the establishment of monolithic Aลoka Stambha (pillar) bearing a highly elaborate capital, Aลoka distinguished Sanchi as a site of great importance.
Since Aลokan times, subsequent powerful empires reigned over this region โ such as the Sunga, Kushana, Kshatrapa & finally Gupta dynasties โ continued to contribute to expansion of Sanchi with the construction of hypostyle, apsidal, temples, shrines, smaller stupas & viharas.
Depicting Buddha through symbols, the sculpted art shows the evolution in sculpting techniques and the elaboration of icons. Stories and facts of great religious and historical significance, enlivened with bas-relief and high-relief techniques, are also depicted. #worldheritage
The quality of craftsmanship in representing the gamut of symbolism through plants, animals, human beings, and Jataka stories shows the development of art through the integration of indigenous and non-indigenous sculpting traditions. #KnowYourHeritage#worldheritageweek2022
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On this auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the Archaeological Survey of India extends heartfelt greetings to all.
Prabhu Ram, the 7th incarnation of Vishnu has been one of the most inspiring figures through the ages.
Notably, the story of Lord Rama's righteousness, courage and sacrifice from age old text of Ramayana are etched on the walls of temples all across our nation and beyond for more than last 1500 years.
Today, we bring some of the masterpieces showcasing various episodes from Ramayana beautifully depicted signifying that the tale has been popular transcending the time and space.
As we celebrate the birth of Lord Ram, let us honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage associated with his legacy. May this festival inspire us to continue cherishing and protecting our nation's invaluable heritage.
Pic. 1 - Dashavatar temple at Lalitpur (UP) is famous for some of the earliest and most vivid depictions from the life of Ram. In this image, Ram is liberating Ahalya while travelling to Mithila along with Lakshman and sage Vishvamitra (5th cen. CE)
Pic. 2 - One of the most remarkable images of Lord Ram holding bow-arrow, sword and shield is from the Dashavatar panel on the walls of Rani Ki Vav, Patan (Gujarat) 11th cen. CE
Pic. 3 - The army of monkeys building Ram Setu across the ocean to cross over to Lanka, Papnath Temple, Pattadakal (Karnataka) 8th cen. CE.
While wishing a very mubaraq Eid-ul-Fitr to one and all after the 30 days long fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, the Archaeological Survey of India takes you to a journey through some of its beautiful monuments, across the country, carrying in them the emotions, merriments, joys and festivities of the bygone Eids, those which must have been celebrated with equal enthusiasm and gaeity, as now.
1) Pather Masjid, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Built in 1623 CE by Empress Nur Jahan, Pathar Masjid is a timeless example of Mughal architecture. The mosque features a rectangular plan with nine bays and a sloping roof supported by local grey stone walls and columns. Its facade is adorned with nine arches, including a grand arched portico, framed by shallow recessed arches. The plinth is topped with intricate lotus leaf coping, while decoration in the form of guldastas, stars, and paneling enhance the beauty of the structure.
2) Jami Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Fatehpur Sikri, the grand capital city established by Emperor Akbar, is a treasure trove of early Mughal architectural wonders like Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Jami Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Badshahi Darwaza, Jamaat Khana (Tomb of Islam Khana), Ibadat khana and Panch Mahal. According to an inscription, the Jami Masjid was completed in 1572 CE. Perched atop the ridge, it features a vast central courtyard, bordered by cloisters in north and south, and the sanctuary on the west. The structure is crowned by three impressive domes, with octagonal bastions and cupolas at the corners. The western section is divided into three parts: a central square dome chamber flanked by pillared halls on each side. The central chamber and its wings are further subdivided, with the ambulatory in front supported by rows of columns. The center of each wing holds a square chamber capped with a dome.
The Ramalingesvara group of temples, located in Satyavolu, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, consists of two temples: Ramalingesvara and Bhimalingesvara.
Both the temples were built during the 8th century CE under the reign of Vinayaditya of the Chalukya dynasty. (1/6)
Ramalingesvara, larger of the two temples, features a garbagriha with a centrally placed linga, on a square pitha, beautifully adorned door frames, Agra-mandapa was added in the later period, probably post-Chola or Vijayanagara period. The deva koshthas at the (2/6)
cardinals on the wall exterior of the sanctum and mukha mandapa house varied iconographical pieces. The pillars of the maha-mandapa carry inscribed records on their square shafts. One such, at the southeast corner revealed a label inscription 'Sri Utpatti pidugu' with (3/6)
This exquisite set of five copper plates bears inscription, elegantly etched in a combination of Sanskrit and early Telugu-Kannada characters from the 5th-6th century CE.
The Epigraphy Branch of Archaeological Survey of India documented, (1/4)
took estampage and deciphered these plates; preserving Indiaโs rich historical legacy. This royal charter was issued during the reign of Vijaya-Siva-Simha Verma and records the generous gift of land, known as Siyapura village, located in the Koแนikuแนแธa-Viแนฃaya region, (2/4)
to a Brahmin named Arya Jyeแนฃแนญhasarma. The inscription was uncovered from Dibburu village in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka. (3/4)
Shiva, the supreme deity has been immersed in the consciousness of the millennia old civilization of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The worship of Lord Shiva has been spread across time and space from the Pashupati seal to the Nataraja bronzes. (1/22)
From Kath Kuni of Himalayas to Besara of the Karnatraka, from Nagara style of central India to Kalinga style of Odisha, from Chala style of Bengal to Dravida style of Tamil Nadu, every region added to the vernacular skills and artistry to adorn the abode of the Adiyogi. (2/22)
As the nation celebrates the festival of Mahashivaratri, we bring to you some of the fascinating and most visited temples dedicated to Lord Shiva from the length and breadth of India which are being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. (3/22)
Shiva, the supreme deity has been immersed in the consciousness of the millennia old civilization of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.The worship of Lord Shiva has been spread across time and space from the Pashupati seal to the Nataraja bronzes.From the KathKuni (1/22)
of the Himalayas to the Besara of the Karnatraka,from the Nagara style of central India to Kalinga style of Odisha, from the Chala style of Bengal to the Dravida style of Tamil Nadu,every region added to the vernacular skills and artistry to adorn the abode of the Adiyogi. (2/22)
As the nation celebrates the festival of Mahashivaratri, we bring to you some of the fascinating and most visited temples dedicated to Lord Shiva from the length and breadth of India which are being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.(3/22)