Konark Sun Temple

Why in news?

• The Archaeological Survey of India is working on a preliminary roadmap to safely remove sand from the interiors of Odisha’s Sun Temple, which was filled up by the British 118 years ago to prevent it from collapsing.

About Konark Sun Temple:

• Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Sun temple at Konark, near Puri on the coastline of Odisha.
• The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.
  • During Narasimhadeva's reign, Eastern Ganga art reached its zenith
• The Konark or Konarak Sun temple is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya, and, conceived as a giant stone chariot with 12 wheels, it is the most famous of the few sun temples built in India.
• The temple in its present state was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1984
• Konarak stands as a classic example of Hindu temple architecture, complete with a colossal structure, sculptures and artwork on myriad themes.

The Architecture at Konarak:

• The temple follows the Kalinga or Orissa style of architecture, which is a subset of the nagara style of Hindu temple architecture.
• The main characteristics of the Orissa style are primarily two:
  • The deul or the sanctum housing the deity covered by a shikhara
  •  Jaganamohana or the assembly hall.
• Three kinds of stone were used in the temple's construction - chlorite, laterite and khondalite.???????

Discovery & Restoration:

• James Fergusson (1808-1836 CE), the noted Scottish historian of British India, played a key role in rediscovering ancient Indian antiquities and architectural sites.
• Conservation activities picked up speed from 1900 CE onwards after Lt. Governor John Woodburn 'initiated the launch of a well-planned campaign to save the temple.
• Since 1939, the Archaeological Survey of India has been conserving and maintaining the site.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Konark Sun Temple?

1. The temple is built in Kalinga or Orissa style of architecture

2. It was built by the Pala ruler Dharmapala

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer