Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Photograph
1883 (photographed)
1883 (photographed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Situated at the site of the great bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, this temple is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Although parts of it date to the 1st century BC, there have been many phases of restoration. Today's structure dates to between 600-700 AD, and it the earliest surviving Buddhist brick temple in India. It is remarkable for its imposing scale. The tower or sikhara, rising to 55 metres, is not seen in any earlier structures. It heavily influenced later Indian temple architecture.
Joseph Beglar was part of the archaeological survey team who conducted the restoration work during the 1880s when this photograph was taken.
Joseph Beglar was part of the archaeological survey team who conducted the restoration work during the 1880s when this photograph was taken.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, Bihar (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Albumen print |
| Brief description | Photograph of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, India by Joseph Beglar, albumen print, 1883 |
| Physical description | This photograph shows the tower or sikhara of the temple covered in scaffolding with restoration work in progress. |
| Gallery label | Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya
Bihar, 600–700
By Joseph Beglar (1845–1907)
Situated at the site of the great bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, this temple is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Although parts of it date to the 1st century BC, there have been many phases of restoration. Beglar was part of the archaeological survey team who conducted the restoration work during the 1880s when this photograph was taken. [63 words]
Albumen print, 1883
Museum no. IS.31-2008 |
| Subject depicted | |
| Place depicted | |
| Summary | Situated at the site of the great bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, this temple is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Although parts of it date to the 1st century BC, there have been many phases of restoration. Today's structure dates to between 600-700 AD, and it the earliest surviving Buddhist brick temple in India. It is remarkable for its imposing scale. The tower or sikhara, rising to 55 metres, is not seen in any earlier structures. It heavily influenced later Indian temple architecture. Joseph Beglar was part of the archaeological survey team who conducted the restoration work during the 1880s when this photograph was taken. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.31-2008 |
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| Record created | November 27, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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