A stone chariot is a shrine or structure made up of stone in the form of a chariot. India has three famous stone chariots, one in Konark (Odhisa), one in Hampi (Karnataka), and the other in Tamil Nadu’s Mahabalipuram.
Key Points
- The Sun Temple in Konark was built in the form of a huge chariot, which is dedicated to the Sun God. It was built by King Narsimhadeva-1 in 1250 AD of the Ganga Dynasty.
- The chariot in Hampi has been built inside the Vittala Temple Complex and the shrine is dedicated to Lord Garuda. It was built by the King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire during 16th There was a huge structure of Lord Garuda on the chariot, however, it is now not there.
- The Pancha Rathas of Mahabalipuram is a complex constructed by King Narasimhavarman I of the Pallavan Dynasty. The rathas resembles chariots that are the best examples of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture.
- All the above three stone chariots are UNESCO world heritage monuments.
Protective Ring around Hampi Stone Chariot
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put up a protective ring around the Hampi stone chariot in front of the Vijaya Vittala Temple. This has been done to protect the structure as many people touch or climb it. Now, people will not be able to get close to the stone chariot; they can see and take photographs of the monument at a distance. ASI says that as Hampi stone chariot is one of the most visited tourist places in the state and therefore requires extra protection.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
It is an agency under the Culture Ministry which is responsible for the protection and conservation of cultural monuments in the country as well as archeological research. It was founded in the year 1861 and is headquartered in New Delhi.