Sacred Geography of Gujarat
Gujarat is the sixth largest in area and ninth largest in population in India. Located in the western India, it has a historical and art heritage starting from the Indus Valley civilization, i.e., from the third and second millennia. At Dholavira and Lothal, there are many characteristic features of Harappan towns. “Brick structures are regularly laid out on grid patterns with streets in between; drains and wells indicate a controlled use of water. Earthen embankments, possibly serving as fortifications, surround residential areas. Among the artifacts recovered from these sites are large painted earthenware jars, terracotta figurines and miniature stone seals with animal motifs and an undeciphered script”. Almost no monuments of early historic period are preserved in the western region. However, the later centuries are exceptionally rich in temple architecture and art. Gujarat is well known for its innumerable Jain monuments. They flourished during the Muslim and Rajput rule. The Buddhist relics are also found in this region. It is very well attested by the presence of the 3rd century BCE rock cut edicts at Girnar.
Read More