• Raja Bhoja (1010-1055), a visionary king of the Paramara dynasty, was a warrior, scholar, and master architect. His legacy includes grand temples like Bhojeshwar and the well-planned city of Dhara. Yet his contributions are overshadowed. This article reaffirms his enduring influence on Indian civilization.

History has a way of relegating even the most remarkable figures to the shadows of oblivion. For decades, the portrayal of history has remained limited and selective, often consigning even the most extraordinary figures to the depths of obscurity, thereby hiding the contributions of many eminent rulers from public memory. Raja Bhoja (1010–1055 CE), one of medieval India’s most extraordinary rulers, is a prime example. Despite being a warrior, scholar, and cultural icon, his contributions to Indian civilisation have often been overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.

Raja Bhoja of the Parmara dynasty, who ruled the kingdom of Malwa from 1010 to 1055 AD, left behind a legacy that seamlessly blended military prowess, intellectual brilliance, and artistic excellence.

While his treatises on Vastu Shastra, poetry, and medicine remain a testament to his scholarly achievements, his grand architectural projects, including temples and urban planning, serve as enduring monuments to his vision.

This article revisits the forgotten legacy of Raja Bhoja, shedding light on the cities he planned and the temples he constructed-monuments that once epitomised the glory of Malwa but are now only partially remembered. By examining these magnificent creations, this piece aims to understand how Raja Bhoja elevated architecture and culture to unparalleled heights and why his contributions deserve greater recognition.

Raja Bhoja: Architect of Temples and Cities

Statue of Raja Bhoj in Bhopal Lake. He constructed it in 11th century. known as ‘Bada Talab’, area 36.1 sq kms.  

Raja Bhoja holds a distinguished place in Indian history.

Respected K M Munshi educationist, freedom fighter, founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan wrote in the Foreword to Volume of the Bhavan’s History series (11 volumes), “The raids of the Turks were, halted in the east by Vidyadharma Chandella at Kalanjara and in the south-west, where Mahmud had to beat a hasty retreat for fear of the federated armies of ‘Paramdeva’, whom I would identify with Bhoja Paramara of Dhara (1000-1055).”

He is also remembered for his profound contributions to temple architecture and urban planning. Under his reign, Malwa and other northern regions of Bharat witnessed a golden age of construction, where religious, cultural, and educational institutions flourished. His architectural works reflect his multifaceted personality as a king, philosopher, and visionary. His constructions were not merely functional but also symbolic, designed to embody cosmic principles and dharmic ideals. Raja Bhoja's reign marked a synthesis of art, science, and spirituality, reflected in the unique style of temples and cities he constructed.

The central hub of Bhoja's activities was his capital, Dhara, modern Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. However, his architectural legacy is widespread, encompassing various cities and temple complexes that continue to be an architectural marvel.

Cities Planned by Raja Bhoja

Raja Bhoja was not only a temple-builder but also an urban planner of remarkable foresight. His cities were designed as cultural and administrative centres, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetics.

1. Dhara Nagari (Dhar)

Dhar Fort. Baji Rao II (born 1775), son of Raghunath Rao, was born here. 

As enter Dhar isee Lieut Col Maharaja Sir Udaji Rao Puar Saheb Bahadur. Dhar was a Princely Maratha state. 

Dhara, the capital of the Paramara dynasty, flourished as a hub of learning and culture during Raja Bhoja’s reign. The city was adorned with temples, palaces, and gardens, reflecting its status as a cosmopolitan centre.  

Raja Bhoja established the Saraswati Mandir, an academy dedicated to learning and literature. This institution attracted scholars from across India and was pivotal in preserving and propagating ancient Indian knowledge systems. Dhara’s layout followed the principles of Vastu Shastra. Raja Bhoja ensured the city had a balanced distribution of residential, commercial, and spiritual spaces, making it one of the most well planned cities of its time.

Bhojashala at Dhar

As noted in Raja Bhoj ka Rachana Vishwa, Dhara served as an intellectual centre for philosophers, architects, and artists, reflecting the king’s vision of combining practicality with cultural vibrancy.

104 Temples at Dhara

According to the Prabandhachintamani by Merutunga, Raja Bhoja constructed 104 prasadas in Dhara Nagari. As our ancient shastras call Temple –‘Prasada’, it is evident that he constructed multiple temples in the city that he planned- Dhara Nagari. These temples were dedicated to various Hindu deities, showcasing his devotion and the Paramara dynasty’s commitment to dharmic traditions.

The Prabandhachintamani describes these temples as being meticulously designed with detailed carvings and inscriptions. While many of these temples have not survived the passage of time, their references in historical texts highlight Raja Bhoja’s monumental architectural contributions to his capital city. 

Each temple displayed the characteristic Nagara style, marked by ornate shikharas (spires), intricate carvings, and harmonious proportions. The temples served not only as religious sites but also as centres for cultural and intellectual activities.

These 104 temples symbolized Dhara's stature as a spiritual and cultural hub. As the capital of Raja Bhoja's kingdom, Dhara became a beacon of art, architecture, and learning.

Another reference is the inscriptions by Madankavi’s Paarijaatmanjiri. It gives a reference to Sharadasadanam or Bharatibhavanam at Dhara. This is also referred to as the place where Raja Bhoja installed a Saraswati idol in 1034 AD which is now at the British Museum, in London. It explains this space as a grand institution, where scholars used to gather for discussions, and students used to learn. This palace is now known as Laat masjid. There used to be a 44-foot-high iron pillar which was Bhoja’s Vijaystambha. 

2. Bhojpur 

Bhojpur, named after Raja Bhoja, served as a secondary capital and a spiritual center. The Bhojeshwar Temple was the focal point of this city, which also featured residential quarters, water tanks, and other civic amenities.

 
One of the remarkable aspects of Bhojpur is its dam on the Betwa River. This dam was a pioneering engineering project of its time, demonstrating Raja Bhoja’s technical ingenuity and commitment to sustainable development.

Manoj Mishra wrote, “The dam on Kolans is what caused the famous and conspicuous large lake (Bhojtaal, also called the upper lake) around which the city of Bhopal later took shape. The huge lake (called ‘the great Bhojpur Lake’), which cured Raja Bhoj, was created by damming Betwa at Bhojpur. Another dam was created nearby to divert Kaliasot into Betwa upstream of the main dam.” Read  Raja Bhoj, the Great Lake Maker and its Mandideep island

Bhojeshwar Temple, Bhojpur

Bhojeshwara Temple, Bhojpur.Pic by Shefali Vaidya 

The Bhojeshwar Temple, located near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most iconic structures associated with Raja Bhoja. Often referred to as the “Somnath of the East,” this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a colossal lingam measuring 7.5 feet in height and 17.8 feet in circumference.

Temple Linga. Pic by Shefali Vaidya.

Pic by Shefali Vaidya.  

Looking at The Architectural Features of the Bhojeshwar Temple, it seems to be a significant unique example of incomplete temple architecture. Despite its unfinished state, the grandeur of its design is evident.

The temple follows the Nagara style of architecture with intricate carvings and a soaring shikhara (spire). Its open-plan structure and harmonious proportions speak volumes of the expertise of its architects. Raja Bhoja was a scholar of Vastu Shastra, as evidenced by his treatise, Samarangana Sutradhara.

The Bhojeshwar Temple’s design reflects his deep knowledge of architectural principles, including precise measurements and geometric symmetry. It also shows some remarkable examples of architectural drawings scratched on the flooring of the temples.

Ashapuri Temple complex 

Ashapuri temple site, near Bhojeshwar 

The village of Ashapuri is about 32 km south of Bhopal, and 6 km from the famous, unfinished Shiva temple of Bhojpur, attributed to the eleventh-century Paramara King Bhoja.

The temple remains that lie in the vicinity of Ashapuri testify to a flourishing cult centre during the Pratihara and Paramara periods, with continuous activity in temple construction from the 9th to 11th centuries. When Bhoja began construction of his gigantic royal temple at Bhojpur, Ashapuri would have been the major urban settlement nearby.

Previously on the edge of the alluvial plain of the Betwa, when Bhoja dammed the river at Bhojpur with enormous stone blocks, Ashapuri must have become a lakeside town. There are 26 exposed temple bases in various states of preservation along with 10,000 architectural stone fragments lying within a fenced compound.

Sun Temple, Bhojpur

Adjacent to the Bhojeshwar Temple are the remnants of a Sun Temple. Although less celebrated than its counterparts, this temple signifies Raja Bhoja’s patronage of multiple Hindu deities and his inclination toward integrating different spiritual traditions.

3. Other Temples Built by Raja Bhoja

Raja Bhoja’s era is renowned for its exquisite temples, which exhibit a sophisticated understanding of Vastu Shastra with a focus on ancient Indian architecture, urban planning and Shilpa Shastra which is a traditional Hindu canon of sculpture. 

Find below some of the most notable temples attributed to his reign:

A. Chittorgarh temples

ASI Board at Chittorgarh Fort. It was made by Bhoja Parmara in the middle of the 11th century.  

Samadisvara Mandir.

Raja Bhoja, the renowned Paramara king, made significant architectural contributions at Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, constructing several temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. Notable temples include the Kedar, Rameshwar, Somnath, Sundeer, Kalanal, and Rudra temples, each reflecting his architectural brilliance and devotion to Hinduism. These temples, characterized by intricate carvings, symmetrical designs, and ornate spires, embody the Nagara style of architecture. The Bhojaprabandha mentions a shloka highlighting these temples:

"केदार-रामेश्वर-सौमनाथ-सुन्दीरकालानलरुद्रसत्कै:।
सूराश्रयैव्यार्प्य च यः समन्ताद् यथार्थसंज्ञा जगतीं चकार॥"

This shloka praises Raja Bhoja's role in establishing sacred spaces for worship, reflecting his dedication to creating religious and cultural landmarks. His work at Chittorgarh showcases his commitment to blending spirituality with architectural innovation, creating spaces that served both religious and cultural purposes.

B. Temples of Udayapura

Neelkanthesehwar temple. It was built by Paramara king Udayaditya. He was the son of the great king Bhoja (1010-1050 AD). 

The group of temples at Udayapura in Madhya Pradesh is another testament to Raja Bhoja’s architectural contributions. These temples are known for their elaborate carvings, decorative motifs, and depictions of mythological stories. The Udayapura temples exhibit a blend of artistic imagination and technical expertise, showcasing the evolution of temple design that started with under Raja Bhoja's reign.

C. Gadarmal Devi temple 

Entrance to temple.

Gadarmal Devi Mandir.

Entrance to sanctum.

Jain Temples complex. 

This is a Hindu and Jain temple at Badoh village of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. It is a 42-niche yogini temple. 18 broken images of the goddesses that once fitted into grooves in the temple platform are preserved from the waist down. It is composed of a rectangular shrine and a tall and massive Shikhara.

Hindola Torana, Vidisha

Hindola Torana, Vidisha

Standing amidst serene surroundings on top of a hillock in Gyaraspur, the ruins of a temple stand as testimony to the great artistic traditions that flourished in ancient India. Amidst the scattered fragments of the temple stands an elegantly carved structure popularly known as Hindola Torana.

The word Hindola means swing and torana means portal. It was the entrance gateway to the ruined temple. The remains of this entrance portal consist of two pillars with a beam on top of them. All the pillars and the beams have been very profusely carved with mythological themes of gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, nymphs, ghatakumbha,  kiritimukha, graceful scrolls, and other ornamental patterns and motifs. On all four sides of the two pillars are carved the dashavataras or the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

Considering the style of the carvings and overall temple format, it seems to be from the Parmara period. After visiting the site in person it is my conjecture that it might be a 10^th Century Raja Bhoja period construction.

Samarangana Sutradhara: An Architectural vision

Raja Bhoja’s architectural vision was profoundly shaped by his treatise, Samarangana Sutradhara, which is considered one of the most significant texts on Vastu Shastra.

This ancient manual not only provides detailed guidelines for temple construction but also covers a wide array of topics such as town planning, sculpture, water management, and even mechanical engineering. The text emphasizes the importance of symmetry, proportion, and the integration of structures with their natural environment, ensuring that every building serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Raja Bhoja’s use of Samarangana Sutradhara is reflected in his architectural works, where precision in measurements, alignment with celestial principles, and the harmonization of natural elements were prioritized. The treatise also highlights the importance of designing spaces that foster spiritual energy, ensuring that temples were not merely places of worship but also centres of cosmic balance. This influence can be seen in the design of the temples, cities, and palaces built during his reign, making Samarangana Sutradhara a cornerstone of Raja Bhoja's architectural legacy.

Raja Bhoja’s temples and cities were not just architectural marvels but also centres of cultural and spiritual enrichment. They served as venues for religious ceremonies, artistic performances, and intellectual debates. By fostering such activities, Raja Bhoja ensured that his kingdom thrived as a beacon of Indian civilization.

As discussed by many of his contemporary scholars, Raja Bhoja's works also reflect his deep commitment to dharmic principles and his vision of a spiritually and materially prosperous kingdom.

Conclusion

The contributions of Raja Bhoja to Indian architecture, culture, and governance have been largely overlooked by mainstream history, reducing his extraordinary legacy to the shadows of obscurity.

However, through a careful exploration of his architectural feats, urban planning, and the intellectual foundations laid by his treatise Samarangana Sutradhara, one can rediscover the profound impact he had on shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of medieval India. His temples, cities, and public works reflect a harmonious blend of art, science, and spirituality, showcasing his unique vision as a ruler, scholar, and patron of the arts.

The temples he constructed at locations like Dhara, Bhojpur, Chittorgarh, and Udayapura stand as enduring monuments to his genius and devotion, serving as physical manifestations of his philosophical and architectural beliefs.

Raja Bhoja’s architectural legacy not only enriched the cultural fabric of his time but also left an indelible mark on the history of Indian civilization.

As we reassess his contributions, it becomes evident that Raja Bhoja’s role in shaping India’s cultural heritage deserves greater recognition, and his works should be celebrated as exemplary milestones in the annals of Indian history.

The author is a Conservationist, Architectural historian, Author, Ph. D. in Dravidian and Khmer temple Architecture, Cambodia and the Founder of Samrachanā - Heritage Conservation & Research Initiative, Pune.

References

1. Jinavijayamuni, (1931) Shri Merutungacharyavirachit Prabandhachintamani, Sindhi Jain Granthamala,  Shantiniketan.

2. Rajpurohit Bhagvatilal, Raja Bhoj ka Rachana Vishwa – publication scheme, 1990, ISBN: 9789381952436, 9381952434.

3. Fergusson, James (1910). History of Indian and Eastern Architecture.

4. Hardy, Adam (2015), Theory and Practice of Temple Architecture in Medieval India: Bhoja's Samaranganasutradhara and The Bhojpur Line Drawings, Dev Publishers & Distributors, ISBN-13‏ : ‎ 978-9381406410.

5. Stein M.A. (2017),  Kalhana's Rajatarangini: A Chronicle of the Kings of Kashmir - Vol. 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8120803695.

6. Trivedi Harihar Vitthal, (1991), Inscriptions of The Paramaras, Chandellas, Kachchhapa Ghatas and Two Minor Dynasties, Archaeological Survey of India.

7. Madhya Pradesh Sandesh, December 1970, Monthly edition.

8. Vienna Oriental Journal, Edited by Directorate of Oriental Institute of the University, volume 21, Bombay Education Society’s Press, page no 143.

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Also read by Subhash Kak – Raja Bhoj The Great Scholar King