Chandor, located on the banks of #KushavatiRiver in #SouthGoa, is identified as ancient Chandrapura, which served as a capital under the #Bhojas to the Kadambas (4th-13th century) and was a major port city.
The excavated site is significant for giving the evidence of one of the earliest brick temples in #Konkan region and also for preserving rich pre-Portuguese past and role of Goa in the political and maritime history of India.
Inscriptions confirm the rule of Bhoja King Devarajah (4th century), Konkan Maurya King Chandravarman (5th century), followed by the Chalukyas of Badami, Southern Silaharas and Kadambas.
Archaeological excavations at Isvorachem (Siva temple mound) began briefly in 1929 and further resumed in 1974 and 2000–2003 by the ASI. These excavations revealed a multi-phased brick temple complex and habitation layers across different localities.
Four major construction phases were identified:
Period I (Bhoja/Konkan Maurya, 4th-5th century): Featured a cruciform brick temple with a large rectangular pillared hall and transepts and enclosed by a prakara wall. This represents one of the earliest architectural phases in the region.
Period II (Chalukya, 6th-7th century): Built over the remains of Phase I, this structure included a rectangular mandapa with adhisthana mouldings and a projecting eastern entrance.
Period III (Silahara, 8th-9th century): Introduced smaller brick shrines, including a square sanctum and another shrine with tripattakumuda (base) mouldings, showing changes in architectural style and material.
Period IV (Kadamba, 10th-13th century): Marked by the use of laterite stone, a shift from earlier brick construction. A prominent laterite plinth and open platform was added, upon which a Nandi mandapa and additional pillared structures were built, possibly to accommodate ritual activities and visiting devotees. Miniature shrines and stone pathways were added nearby.
The ancient city of Chandor was fortified by an earthen rampart and moat, with the Kushavati River flowing along its eastern boundary. Excavations beyond the temple site confirmed continuous habitation across different periods, highlighting Chandor’s role as a major religious, political and trade centre in the forgotten history of Goa.
Source : Archaeological Survey of India Facebook
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