SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Terraced Brick Temples of the Gupta Period

Despite belonging to what is often called ‘the golden age’ of Indian art, brick and terracotta temples of the Gupta period have received little scholarly attention.  This is largely due to the fact that only one temple survives in a good condition.  In contrast to the relatively small freestanding stone and cave temples of the Gupta period, brick temples could be vast, imposing structures.  What remains of the terraced Bhimgaja temple dedicated to Shiva in the ancient fortress city of Ahichhatra, Uttar Pradesh, is one such example. This presentation will focus on the Bhimgaja temple, and an ongoing attempt to reconstruct it theoretically, using a number of decorative brick fragments held at the British Museum as a starting point.