Evolution of Bhumija Shikhara and Distribution of Bhumija Shrines in India

Abstract

The present paper begins with a brief on the meaning and essence of a Hindu temple. It talks about the types of classification of the Hindu temples in India, on the basis of its physical attributes. The authors then try to trace the evolution of the Bhumija shikhara chronologically. The paper examines the Bhumija mode with respect to its meaning and references in literature. Finally the paper mentions various Bhumija shrines in various states of the country chronologically. The description ends with maps showing spatial distribution of Bhumija shrines across India and a graph showing state wise Bhumija shrines with respect to their time-line.