Posted on: 22 September 2018

Surya Temple at Martand, Kashmir - 1852
Artist: George Oliver Rybot

The picture shows the Temple of the Sun (Surya Temple) at Martand in Kashmir and is one of a collection of pencil sketches that Rybot made in Kashmir and the Punjab. This Hindu temple is situated on a lofty plateau above the central valley of Kashmir and was erected in the 8th century during the reign of Lalitaditya (c.724-60), the most powerful monarch of the Karkota dynasty. It is noteworthy for its blend of classical Indian architecture and features, such as the gabled roofs, characteristic of the western Himalayas.

George Oliver Rybot (1827-1912) served in the East India Company’s Bengal Artillery (1845-58) and then in the Royal Artillery (till 1871). This drawing was given to the V&A by the artist’s son, Major Norman Victor Lacey Rybot, D.S.O., F.S.A. (1876-1961) of Jersey, who served in the Indian Army (1896-1920) and was a member of the Younghusband Expedition to Tibet (1903-4); he was himself an amateur artist.

Image and text credit:
Copyright: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London


 View Post on Facebook

Comments from Facebook

Read about this sun temple a few days back Sharing the link https://www.livehistoryindia.com/cover-story/2017/07/16/kashmirs-great-empire-builder

The sun temple martand also known as house of pandavas by locals had a copper image of sun called tamrasvamin destroyed by notorious king kalasha of lohara dynasty . At the end of his life due to some prolonged illness he offered a gold replica for seeking forgiveness. Mentioned several times in kalhanas rajatarangini . The image of martanda continued to be worshipped till the end of 14th century when it was destroyed by sultan sikandar especially his neo convert commander suha bhatta . From that time the temple ceased to be a living temple ( jonaraja rajatarangini ) . During the time of budshah Zain ul abiden irrigation works were done in this region . The 4rth chronicle of rajatarangini mentions first visit of emperor akbar to valley and to martand he donated cows adorned with pearls and gold . Also mentioned by Abu fazl in ain I akbari . The town mattan where the temple is located on a plateau derives it's name from the presiding deity martanda / sun . Thanks

In August 2018, my son visited this monument along with me.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=539736372710204&set=a.563769776973530&type=3&theater

I have visited it in May 2012.