Photo 1010/4(44)

Genre: Architectural Photography

View looking towards the octagonal domed tower built over earlier Hindu shrine. The demolition of this structure was the cause of some problems during excavation work: 'In connexion with the excavations at Rajgir, some slight trouble arose from the removal of the tiny and dilapidated shrine which had been erected on the top of the cylindrical tower referred to above. This shrine, which is known as the Maniyar Math, had long since fallen into disuse as a place of worship, and had lost whatever images it might ever have possessed. No sooner, however, had Dr Bloch begun to remove it than extravagant rumours spread to Calcutta crediting him with all sorts of sacrilege, and an agent was sent down to Rajgir by a wealthy member of the Jain community in order to enquire on the spot into the alleged vandalism. The agent, being an enlightened man, at once appreciated the service that the Government was rendering in bringing to light these remains of an ancient religion, and the incident closed with expressions of good-will on both sides. The little shrine on the top was rebuilt when the excavation had been completed' (J.H. Marshall, 'Annual Report of the Director-General of Archaeology for the year 1905-06'. Part I. - Administrative (Calcutta, 1907), pp. 3-4).

Subjects = archaeological excavations; archaeological sites; Archaeological Survey of India Collections; Archaeological Survey of India Collections (Director-General's Reports); Indian architecture; Indian architecture (Hindu); Indian architecture (Jain); temples

Location = Bihar; India; Rajgir