Consider the following statements regarding the archaeological site of Sirpur
- It was first documented by Alexander Cunningham and served as the capital of Dakshina Kosala.
- The site features a remarkable brick temple dedicated to Vishnu, known as the Lakshmana Temple, dating to the 7th Century.
- A unique architectural feature found at Sirpur is the 'Panchayatana' style, which consists of a central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
- Its location on the banks of the Narmada river is integral to its identity as a sacred riverine cultural landscape.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Sirpur — also known as Shripur or Sripura — was a vibrant multi-religious urban centre first documented in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham, ASI's first Director-General. Excavations from the 1950s to the 2000s uncovered a rich tapestry of monuments dating back to the 5th Century AD, showcasing the city's cultural and architectural splendour. A Multi-Religious Heritage Hub — The site contains 22 Shiva temples, five Vishnu temples, 10 Buddhist viharas, and three Jain viharas. It flourished as the capital of Dakshina Kosala under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi dynasties. Archaeological remains include palace complexes, markets, residences, stupas, brick temples, meditation cells, and ancient water systems. Remarkable Monuments and Architecture — Lakshmana Temple (7th Century) is one of India's finest brick temples, dedicated to Vishnu. Surang Tila stands on a high terrace with a steep staircase of 37 steps and features a dramatic panchayatana layout. The Panchayatana layout is a temple architectural style featuring a central shrine surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines at each corner of a square, making a total of five shrines. Large Buddhist viharas and stupas point to Sirpur's role as a major Buddhist centre, including the Tivaradeva Mahavihara with its notable Buddha statue. A Sacred Riverine Cultural Landscape — Sirpur's location along the Mahanadi River (not Narmada) enhances its spiritual and cultural significance. The presence of ghats, temples, and ancient settlements forms a rich riverine landscape that aligns with UNESCO's vision of combined natural and cultural heritage — strengthening Sirpur's case for World Heritage status.
Sirpur — also known as Shripur or Sripura — was a vibrant multi-religious urban centre first documented in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham, ASI's first Director-General. Excavations from the 1950s to the 2000s uncovered a rich tapestry of monuments dating back to the 5th Century AD, showcasing the city's cultural and architectural splendour. A Multi-Religious Heritage Hub — The site contains 22 Shiva temples, five Vishnu temples, 10 Buddhist viharas, and three Jain viharas. It flourished as the capital of Dakshina Kosala under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi dynasties. Archaeological remains include palace complexes, markets, residences, stupas, brick temples, meditation cells, and ancient water systems. Remarkable Monuments and Architecture — Lakshmana Temple (7th Century) is one of India's finest brick temples, dedicated to Vishnu. Surang Tila stands on a high terrace with a steep staircase of 37 steps and features a dramatic panchayatana layout. The Panchayatana layout is a temple architectural style featuring a central shrine surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines at each corner of a square, making a total of five shrines. Large Buddhist viharas and stupas point to Sirpur's role as a major Buddhist centre, including the Tivaradeva Mahavihara with its notable Buddha statue. A Sacred Riverine Cultural Landscape — Sirpur's location along the Mahanadi River (not Narmada) enhances its spiritual and cultural significance. The presence of ghats, temples, and ancient settlements forms a rich riverine landscape that aligns with UNESCO's vision of combined natural and cultural heritage — strengthening Sirpur's case for World Heritage status.
