AN ANALYSIS OF TECHNIQUES, MATERIALS, AND STYLES OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE POST-GUPTA PERIOD: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract [English]

The post-Gupta period (circa 600 CE to 900 CE) marks a significant transitional phase in Indian temple architecture, characterized by regional diversification, technical refinement, and stylistic innovations. This study seeks to analyze the key architectural techniques, construction materials, and stylistic elements employed in temple construction during this era, drawing primarily on archaeological evidence from various parts of the Indian subcontinent. The research examines the shift from early Gupta prototypes to more elaborate and regionally distinct styles, including the Nagara (North Indian), Dravida (South Indian), and Vesara (Deccan) temple forms. It explores the development of architectural components such as the garbhagriha (sanctum), mandapa (pillared hall), shikhara (superstructure), and decorative motifs. Particular attention is given to construction technologies—such as stone cutting, interlocking systems, and masonry techniques—that enabled the durability and complexity of temple structures.
The study also investigates the use of different materials, including sandstone, granite, and brick, analyzing how regional availability and cultural preferences influenced material selection. Through detailed case studies of notable temple sites like Deogarh, Bhitargaon, Pattadakal, and Aihole, the paper uncovers the interaction between local artistic traditions and pan-Indian religious and cultural movements. This archaeological inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of how temple architecture in the post-Gupta period not only served religious purposes but also functioned as a medium of political assertion, cultural identity, and artistic excellence. The findings underscore the period’s significance as a formative stage in the history of Indian temple architecture, laying the groundwork for the grand edifices of the medieval era.