ASI Begins Drilling at Konark Sun Temple to Remove 100-Year-Old British-Era Sand
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began drilling operations inside the iconic Konark Sun Temple in Odisha to remove sand filled during the British era approximately 100 years ago to stabilise the structure. The British had filled the Jagamohan (assembly hall) with sand to prevent collapse, essentially sealing it. ASI is now using modern technology to carefully extract this sand, which will allow for internal inspection and potential restoration. Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most important historical monuments.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1ASI begins drilling at Konark Sun Temple to remove 100-year-old British-era sand
- 2Sand was filled by British to prevent structural collapse of the Jagamohan hall
- 3Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha
Deep Dive
- +Konark Sun Temple was built in 13th century by King Narasimha Deva I of Eastern Ganga dynasty
- +The temple is shaped like a giant chariot of the Sun God with 24 wheels
- +ASI is under the Ministry of Culture
- +India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2026) — 34 cultural, 7 natural, 2 mixed
Exam Focus
Likely MCQ: Konark Sun Temple was built by which king? → Answer: Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty (13th century)
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
Culture & Heritage: ASI, UNESCO sites, and India's heritage conservation.
Target Exams
Background & Context
Konark Sun Temple (also called Black Pagoda) is located in Konark, Puri district, Odisha. Built in the 13th century (1250 AD) by King Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, it is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya).
The temple is designed as a colossal chariot with:
- 24 elaborately carved stone wheels (representing 24 hours of the day / 12 months ×2)
- 7 horses (representing 7 days of the week)
The Jagamohan (Mandapa/assembly hall) was filled with sand by the British in the early 20th century to prevent its collapse, as the main shikhara (tower) had already fallen. The sand has been there since, making internal access impossible.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (2026): 43 total
- Cultural: 34 (Agra Fort, Ajanta Caves, Konark, etc.)
- Natural: 7 (Kaziranga, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, etc.)
- Mixed: 2 (Khangchendzonga, Kanchenjunga)
ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) is under the Ministry of Culture, founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
Related GK Concepts
Must KnowTest Yourself
1 / 3Konark Sun Temple was built by which ruler?
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