History & Art and Culture Prelims Plus
Khajuraho Temples (in Madhya Pradesh) are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the country.
It was built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty.
The monuments include Hindu and Jain temples.
The temple site is situated within Vindhya Mountain range.
These Temples got the status of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1986.
The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism.
Reported for the first time by Abu Rihan al Biruni in AD 1022 and Ibn Battuta in AD 1335.
Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings Yashovarman and Dhanga. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by the Lakshmana Temple.
Of the surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.