Sun Temple of Konarak

The Sun Temple of Konarak in Orissa near the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Built in 13th century by Narasimha of the Eastern Ganga Dynassty, the temple once served as a landmark for the European Sailors, who called it “The Black Pagoda”. The Konarak Temple is considered to be one of the Gem in Indian Architecture. In the past many scholars have written books, monographs and articles, but the measures on conservation and preservation of Sun Temple seldom reflected. While major conservation works are initiated in 1985 onwards, the author has collected numerous information from different sources, besides feed back was given from time of time to the visiting UNESCO Experts. In 1997 when an international workship was organized by the A.S.I. the then D.G. Shri Ajay Shankarji advised the Author to prepare Forward relevant reparts and datas. This has inspired the Author to publish them after thorough revision conservation works carried out since beginning till 2002 for the greater interest of the scholars and experts and Archaeologists of the present and future. The present monograph contains XIV Chapters with a brief introduction about Sun Temple. Chapter I and II deals with brief History of Conservation and Preservations of the Monument, Chapter III and IX deals with Chemical Preservation attended by Chemistry Branch of the Survey, Munites of the Meetings held from time to time are included in Chapter IV to VII. Chapter VIII deals with the details of conservation work carried out in between 1985 to 2002. UNESCO expert Report and the Report of Italian Experts included in Chapter X, XI and XII. Chapter XIII deals with the recommendation of International Experts Meeting of July 1997. Chapter XIV deals with Konarak Master Plan followed by three Appendices, indexes figures and list of Plates.