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1. Archeological Heritage of Himachal Pradesh
O. C. Handa

11, Shiwalik Bhawan, Sanjauli, Shimla - 171006

(Abstract)

While one does not find even a single standing classical monument of the pre-Muslim period in the Indo-Gangetic mainland, a number of those may be found in the Himalayan sanctuaries, especially in Himachal Pradesh. To quote a few, mention may be made of the Lakshmi-Narayan temple at Chamba, the ancient Chaurasi temple complex at Bharmaur, where the classical stone temple of Mani Mahesh and the magnificent wooden temple of Lakshana Devi stand. In Kangra, one may see the legendary Kangra Fort, the archaeological site at Chetru and Masrur rock temple. At Bilaspur one may find the submerged ancient temples popping out of the waters of Gobindsagar Lake. In Mandi – the Paharan ri Kashi -- one may see more that 80 ancient temples and monoliths scattered in every part of the town. At Bajaura, the stone temple of the Vishveshvar Mahadev is a magnificent example of the classical stone temple and at Chaini; one may find the Great Tower built in the traditional style standing sentinel over the Banjar Valley. Similarly, the wooden temple of Markula Devi at Udaipur in Lahul and the ancient temple of Trilokinath at Tunde high above the left bank of Chandrabhaga River may be the eye-catching monuments. In Spiti, one may visit one of the oldest monasteries of Buddhism at Tabo. Down in the Satluj, the fabled Kamru Castle in the ancient village of Kamru near Sangla is a magnificent example of the wood-based architecture and so is the Bhimakali temple at Sarahan. Further downstream along the Satluj at Nirth, one may see one of the few temples dedicated to the Sun god. In the Pabbar Valley, the Hatkoti complex of temples is a good example of the classical stone-based architecture. Besides, enroute downstream, the famous Ashokan Rock Inscription at Kalsi and an ancient yajnashala made on the Vedic parameters at Jagatigram nearby are a must for the visitors.

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