Restoration of Thousand Pillar Temple’s Kalyana Mandapam

Why in News?

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed a monumental 42-year restoration of the Kalyana Mandapam (dance pavilion) at the 12th-century Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, Telangana.

The structure was rebuilt using the ancient Sandbox Technology, an indigenous engineering marvel of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Thousand Pillar Temple (Rudreshwara Swamy Temple)

• Historical Timeline - Built in 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
• Location - Hanamkonda, Telangana.
• Architecture:
  • Trikutalaya - A "triple shrine" dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya Deva.
  • Style - Showcases the Vesara/Chalukyan style merged with unique Kakatiya artistry.
  • Shape - Notable for its star-shaped (stellate) plan.
  • Monolithic Nandi - Features a massive Nandi carved from a single piece of black basalt stone.
• Significance - The temple gets its name from the numerous pillars, many of which are intricately carved to look like multiple smaller columns.
• Historical Note - The temple was severely damaged during the invasion of Ulugh Khan (later Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq) in 1323-24.
• The Kakatiyas were pioneers in geotechnical engineering, using "sandboxes" to protect heavy stone structures from seismic damage and foundational failure.