The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently unearthed the remains of a 5th-century temple. Found in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district in the Bilsarh village, these archaeological remnants can be traced back to the Gupta period. The ASI had declared the Bilsarh site as protected since 1928.
Key Findings from the Excavation
Two intriguing pillars were found during the excavation. Inscriptions regarding Kumaragupta I, a significant ruler of the Gupta dynasty, were discovered on these pillars. The inscriptions were written in ‘sankh lipi’ or shell script, commonly used in the 5th century AD. The Gupta dynasty initiated the construction of structural temples, constituting a significant departure from the era’s prevalent rock-cut temples.
An interpretation of the inscriptions revealed the title ‘Mahendraditya,’ which was associated with King Kumargupta I. He was known for conducting the ashwamedh yagya during his rule. A statue of a horse bearing a similar inscription has been displayed at the state museum in Lucknow. The ashwamedha yagya is a ritualistic horse sacrifice adhering to the Srauta tradition of the Vedic religion.
Significance of the Discovery
This discovery is vital because it uncovers one of the few structural temples dating back to the Gupta age. Previously, only two such temples were known — the Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh and the Bhitargaon Temple in Kanpur Dehat.
Understanding Shankhalipi Script
Also referred to as “shell-script”, Shankhalipi script features prominently in inscriptions throughout north-central India and dates between the 4th and 8th centuries. Both Shankhalipi and Brahmi are stylised scripts primarily used for names and signatures.
Discovery of Shell Script
English scholar James Prinsep first discovered Shankhalipi in 1836 on a brass trident in Barahat, Uttarakhand. Prominent sites with shell inscriptions include the Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar, Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh, Mansar in Maharashtra, and select caves in Gujarat and Maharashtra. These inscriptions have also been discovered in Indonesia’s Java, and Borneo.
Glimpse into the Reign of Kumaragupta-I
Kumaragupta-I succeeded Chandragupta-II and reigned from 414 to 455 A.D. His reign is renowned for his performance of the Asvamedha Yajna, confirmed by Asvamedha coins. The discovery of these coins affirms his influence across southern India. His reign forms part of the Golden Age of the Guptas. However, it was marred by the revolt of the Pushyamitra tribe and the Huna invasion.
A Brief about the Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire expanded across northern, central, and parts of southern India between 320 and 550 CE. This period noted for its achievements in arts, architecture, sciences, religion, and philosophy.
Governance, Trade, Religion, Literature, and Architecture of the Gupta Empire
Chandragupta I (320 – 335 CE) began the rapid expansion of the Gupta Empire, marking the end of 500 years of provincial powers’ domination. The empire was divided into smaller provinces or ‘pradesha’, and they were known for their martial efficiency.
Trade and commerce flourished under the Guptas. They were known to export silk, cotton, spices, medicine, gemstones, pearl, precious metal, and steel by sea.
Guptas were devout Vaishnavas but were tolerant towards Buddhism and Jainism believers. Literary contributions include epics from poet and playwright Kalidasa, Sudraka’s Mricchakatika, Vishakhadatta’s Mudrarakshasa, and astronomer Aryabhata’s Surya Siddhanta.
Architecture masterpieces from this era are found in places like Ajanta, Ellora, Sarnath, Mathura, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya.
