Temples of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is much famous for its temples. The earliest known temple Nagari contains the epigraph of 2nd century B.C. proving that the site remained much prosperous. It was an early centre Bhagavat-cult wherein worship of Sankarashan and Vasudeva was made. A few temples of the Gupta-period have now survived. However, the temples of Charachoma, Chandravati (Jhalarapatan), Kansuva (Kota), Chhotisadari and others are still in worship. The Pratihar rulers remained more benevolent. Several temples were built at Chittor, Abaneri, Osia, Mandor, Varaman, Badoli Harsh, Menal, Ramgarh, Nilkanth, Kama and many other places. These were constructed by aspiring artists, who were trained by Shringadhar and his pupils. The sculptures were also beautifully carved. More than 100 temples of the Pratihar period still survive proving that this art tradition prevailed in large areas. The Chauhans and Paramars had also built good temples. The shrines built by the Chauhans were badly raged to the ground by the Muslim invaders. The Paramar temples of Vagad, Abu, Sirohi areas of Jhalarapatan and other places remained more notable. The ceilings and other architectural details of the temples of Abu are much praised. Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi did tremendous harm to these temples. He also demolished the beautiful shrines of Chittorgarh, Ranathambhor, Jaisalmer, Jalore Bhinmal and many other places. During 15th century A.D. the Mewar state became more powerful. Maharana Kumbha was a great patron of art, architecture, literature, music etc. He built Kirtistambh at Chittor and renovated many old temples. The fort of Kumbhalgarh was also built by him which remained impregnable for a considerable time. Likewise, the Jain temples of Abu, Rankpur and others and Vaishnava temples of Eklingji and Achalgarh were also built. Sutradhar Mandan and Jaita remained his court artists. Likewise, Amer and Jaipur also developed as good centres of art. The Jains have constructed good temples at Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nakoda and at other places.