Khondalite: A geological gem and heritage stone of Odisha - India's architectural legacy

IF 1.2 4区地球科学 Q2 Earth and Planetary Sciences

Proceedings of the Geologists Association Pub Date : 2026-02-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-03 DOI:10.1016/j.pgeola.2026.101161

Ranjit Nayak

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Abstract

The metamorphic rock khondalite, which is mostly found in India's Eastern Ghats, has been essential to the region's architectural heritage. The fact that khondalite was extensively utilized in the building of the most well-known and recognizable temples and monuments, such as the Puri Jagannath Temple, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Lingaraj Temple, is evidence of its strength and beauty. The occurrence, geological characteristics, and applications of khondalite in Odisha's temple and heritage architecture highlight its abundance in the Eastern Ghats, a durable building stone that shaped the aesthetic and structural identity of monuments like the Lingaraj Temple, Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple etc., across the region. This study examines the use of Khondalite as a building stone throughout history and in the present, emphasizing its value as a resource for Indian heritage stones. This research project will aim to emphasize the social and architectural significance of Khondalite in Odisha, promoting its conservation and promotion as a heritage stone resource through an extensive examination of historical and architectural records as well as field observations. In the 12th century, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva built the Lord Jagannath Temple out of Khondalite rock, which is famous for its yearly Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). Using Khondalite rock Konark Sun Temple was constructed, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, the Somavamsi dynasty sponsored the construction of the magnificent Khondalite Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, which features elaborate carvings and a unique devotion to both Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The architectural and cultural legacy of Odisha is emphasized by these shrines and monuments built by Khondalites.

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孔达利石：地质宝石和奥里萨邦的遗产石-印度的建筑遗产

主要分布在印度东高止山脉的变质岩孔石，是该地区建筑遗产的重要组成部分。孔达利石被广泛用于建造最著名和最知名的寺庙和纪念碑，如Puri Jagannath神庙、Konark太阳神庙和Lingaraj神庙，这一事实证明了它的力量和美丽。孔达利石在奥里萨邦寺庙和遗产建筑中的出现、地质特征和应用突出了它在东高止山脉的丰富，这种耐用的建筑石头塑造了整个地区的Lingaraj神庙、Jagannath神庙、Konark太阳神庙等纪念碑的美学和结构特征。本研究考察了历史上和现在孔雀石作为建筑石材的使用，强调了它作为印度遗产石材资源的价值。该研究项目旨在强调奥里萨邦孔达利石的社会和建筑意义，通过对历史和建筑记录的广泛检查以及实地观察，促进其作为遗产石材资源的保护和推广。在12世纪，国王Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva用Khondalite岩石建造了Lord Jagannath寺庙，该寺庙以每年的Rath Yatra（战车节）而闻名。用孔达利岩建造了太阳庙，现在被联合国教科文组织列为世界遗产。此外，Somavamsi王朝赞助在布巴内斯瓦尔建造了宏伟的Khondalite Lingaraj寺庙，它以精致的雕刻和对湿婆和毗湿奴的独特奉献为特色。奥里萨邦的建筑和文化遗产由孔达利人建造的这些神殿和纪念碑所强调。

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来源期刊

Proceedings of the Geologists Association 地学-地质学

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

8.30%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Proceedings of the Geologists'' Association is an international geoscience journal that was founded in 1859 and publishes research and review papers on all aspects of Earth Science. In particular, papers will focus on the geology of northwestern Europe and the Mediterranean, including both the onshore and offshore record. Following a long tradition, the PGA will focus on: i) a range of article types (see below) on topics of wide relevance to Earth Sciences ii) papers on aspects of Earth Science that have societal relevance including geoconservation and Earth management, iii) papers on palaeoenvironments and palaeontology of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, iv) papers on aspects of Quaternary geology and climate change, and v) papers on the history of geology with particular reference to individuals that have shaped the subject. These topics will also steer the content of the themes of the Special Issues that are published in the PGA.