CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

According to an inscription dated in the sixteenth year of Uttama Chola (987 CE), the Apatsahayesvara temple at Aduthurai was rebuilt in stone by Sembiyan Mahadevi who had the previous grants to the temple re-engraved. The reconstruction was probably done around 987 CE. The ornamentation of the superstructure (vimana), pilasters and the moulded base are typical of the Mahadevi phase. References: M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky 1963, pp.188-189.

The Apatsahayesvara temple at Tiruppalanam belongs to the reign of Aditya I (871-907 CE). This is a unique temple owing to the account of the plan of its superstructure (vimana) and half hall (ardhamandapa) and disposition of the associated imagery. The earliest inscription that can be definitely ascribed to Aditya is from 884 CE. The figures of the divinity niches (devakoshthas) are so much covered with stucco that the fine original figures cannot be recognised. Though an unusual temple, this temple does not have a following. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1966, pp.153-156, M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, p.158.

Archaeological Museum, Bodhgaya

The museum was established in 1956 by the ASI and preserved sculptures from Bodhgaya and from nearby villages. Within the walls of the museum compound, the Bodhgaya stone railing has been reconstructed. The museum also consists of a large collection of Pala period sculptures (9th-12th centuries) carved in black stone.

The site of Sarnath is identified as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. The excavated site has foundations of monastic dwellings, temples, and stupas. The collection covers structures within the excavated site. Excavations at Sarnath reveal that the oldest levels date to the Marurya period to the reign of Ashoka. The site contains the famous lion-capital memorial pillar from 3rd century BCE along with stupas from Gupta and Pala periods.

Archaeological Site, Kumrahar, Bihar