Author:

Sanjukta De
Ph.D Research Scholar
Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture,
University of Calcutta
&
SACT (Category I) Lecturer
Department of History,
Gokhale Memorial Girls’ College, Kolkata
Contact No: 8697729425

Email: sanjukta.jhimli@gmail.com

Abstract:: Pali is located in Korba District on Bilaspur-Ambikapur highway and it has a very rich
history. After the Bana Dynasty, this janapada came under the control of the Kalacuri Dynasty of
South Kosala. Kalachuris shifted their capital from Tuman to Ratanpur. The distance between Pali
and Ratanpur is 29 km. In Pali, we find a very famous Saiva Temple which is successfully
representing the Sapta-ratha Architectural Style. Although it was made following the Nagara Temple
Style, it has some peculiar features which make this monument very special in that area. On the other
hand, the ancient city of Ratanpur which is located 25 km away from Bilaspur became famous under
King Ratandeva I of the Kalachuris. On the basis of its religious and political influence, it is
necessary to analyse the architectural features of Mahadeva Temple of Ratanpur as it has a very
close connection to the Saiva Temple of Pali. This paper intends to highlight the architectural details
of the Saiva temple of Pali and Ratanpur. I would also like to study the Religious and Political
connection between these two areas and how it helped to give a birth of a different genre of the local
temple making style.

Key Words::Kalachuris, Korba District,Pali, Sapta-ratha, Nagara. , Ratanpur, Temple etc.