ASI to Restore Bhand Devra Temple in Rajasthan

• 26 May 2025

Why in News? 

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to restore the 10th-century Bhand Devra temple in Rajasthan’s Baran district, often hailed as the state’s "mini Khajuraho." 

 

Key Points 

• Architectural Style and Location: 
  • The Bhand Devra temple, located on the bank of the Ramgarh Crater in Baran district, is built in the distinctive Nagara architectural style. 
  • Its resemblance to the temples of Khajuraho is striking, earning it the nickname “Rajasthan’s mini Khajuraho.” 
• Historical Background and Patronage: 
  • The temple was originally built as a victory monument by King Malaya Verma of the Nagavanshi dynasty. 
  • It received renewed patronage in 1162 CE when King Trishna Verma of the Meda dynasty undertook its restoration. 
  • These successive contributions reflect the temple’s enduring historical and dynastic importance. 
• Neglect and Loss of Heritage: 
  • Years of neglect and apathy have left the temple damaged, with crumbling structures and stolen idols eroding its rich heritage. 
• A Geological and Cultural Wonder: 
  • The adjacent Ramgarh Crater, formed by an asteroid impact around 165 million years ago, is among India’s rare geo-heritage sites. 
  • It is a meteor impact crater of 3.5 kilometres diameter in Kota plateau of Vindhya range located adjacent to Ramgarh village in Baran district in Rajasthan. 
  • It is officially recognized as India’s third crater, with a diameter between the 14 km Dhala crater in Madhya Pradesh and the 1.8 km Lonar crater in Maharashtra. 

Nagara or North Indian Temple Style 

• About: 
  • Commonly found in northern India, Nagara-style temples are marked by a curvilinear tower (Shikhara), sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), and pillared hall (Mandapa). 
  • These temples are usually constructed on a raised stone platform (Jagati) with steps leading to the entrance. 
  • The ground plan of a Nagara temple is typically square or rectangular with a four-sided layout. 
    • Shikhara (Curvilinear Tower): 
      • Early Nagara temples had a single Shikhara, but later ones often featured multiple towers. 
    • Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): 
      • Located directly beneath the tallest Shikhara, the Garbhagriha houses the main deity. 
      • It represents the spiritual core of the temple and is often devoid of elaborate ornamentation, signifying inner sanctity. 
    • Jagati and Pitha (Elevated Platforms): 
      • Nagara temples rest on a high platform known as Jagati, which elevates the temple both physically and symbolically. 
    • Adhisthana (Base Platform): 
      • Rising above the Pitha and Jagati is the Adhisthana, the base platform upon which the superstructure (temple tower and walls) is constructed.

Khajuraho Temple  

• About:   
  • Built by the Chandela dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries, these temple groups present a unique example of architecture and sculpture.  
  • The number of temples built in the Nagara style has now reduced to only 20, among which the temple of Kandariya Mahadev is especially famous.  
  • The temples here belong to two religions – Jain and Hindu.  
• World Heritage Site:   
  • It was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1986. 

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. 
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 governs the functioning of ASI. 
• It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. 
• Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc. 
• It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.