As we embark on a journey to discover India, we make our first halt near Kanpur at Bhitargaon which boasts of India’s oldest brick (terracotta) temple dating back to 5th Century A.D. or before. It is the largest temple of that age to survive for 1570 years or more. The structure is wholly made up of bricks of assorted sizes and shapes emblazoned with terracotta panels depicting deities of different sects and beliefs viz. Vaishnavites, Shaivites, Shaktyas and Buddhists, thereby making it a secular structure depicting the tolerant age of Gupta Empire/Era. It also marks the development of Shikhar in temple architecture in India and its design and layout has been copied not only in India but abroad including temples at Dieng Plateau, Java. Bhitargaon’s temple is a living witness to the golden age of tolerance which lent stability and growth to the economy and furthered Art and Culture of India beyond its borders.
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This notforprofit educational video is based on the information material sourced from the following suggested readings for the viewers;
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