Sas-Bahu Temple at Gwalior fort (India) built during reign of great Mihir Bhoja IDated- 9th century CE
The temple is excellent example of ancient structural engineering of high precision. Massive decorated columns and beams were culled one over other without any bonding material. And you will barely notice the joining line. A unique architectural feature of these pyramidal shaped temples built in red sandstone is that they have been raised several stories high solely with the help of beams and pillars, and with no arches having been used for the purpose. The main temple looks dauntingly sturdy. The stylistic smaller Sahastrabahu temple is a replica of the larger temple.
About the patron king Mihir Bhoja I
The Persian traveler Ahmad ibn Rustah praised the Gujara- Pratihar a ruler Mihir Bhoja I in his Kitāb al-A'lāk an-Nafīsa thus:
“In Hind there is a Malik (ruler) who is called Al-juzar (Gujar). Such is awdl (justice) in his empire, if the gold is dropped in the way, there is no danger of its being picked up and stolen away by any body. His empire is very vast. Arab traders go to him, he makes ahsan (favour) to them, purchases merchandise from them; the purchase and sale are carried in gold coin called tatri. When the Arabs request him to provide a body guard, he says, there is no thief in my empire. If there is any incident or loss to your goods, merchandise and money I stand surety. Come to me, I will pay the compensation.
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