Uncovering the Mysteries of Modhera Sun Temple: A Masterpiece of Ancient Indian Maru-Gurjara Architecture
The Sun Temple of Modhera was constructed during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. In 1024-1025, Bhima’s kingdom was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni, and a group of around 20,000 soldiers attempted to stop his advance at Modhera, but were unsuccessful. The shrine proper of the Sun Temple was built after this invasion. An inscription “Vikram Samvat 1083” is found on a block in the western wall of the cella, which corresponds to 1026-1027 CE. The inscription is upside down, which suggests that the cella was destroyed and reconstructed. However, due to the position of the inscription, it is not considered as the date of construction. On stylistic grounds, it is known that the Kunda with its corner shrines was built earlier at the beginning of the 11th century.
