Khajuraho Group of Monuments
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Overview
The Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh were built by the Chandelas of Bundelkhand, among them the Kandariya Mahadeva and Lakshmana temples. They became a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The temples were built by the Chandela kings mainly between 950 and 1050 CE.
Of about 85 temples, around 25 survive, including the Kandariya Mahadeva, a peak of the Nagara style.
They are both Hindu and Jain, and the group was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The temples are in Chhatarpur district.
They are known for their erotic sculptures, though most carvings show daily life.
The temples are divided into western, eastern and southern groups.
A dance festival is held here each February.
Geography and key facts
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chandelas
- WHS 1986
- Chandela kings
- Kandariya Mahadeva
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on Nagara temples.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1986 · Madhya Pradesh.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Khajuraho Group of Monuments yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Madhya Pradesh
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1986
- Coordinates
- 24.852°N, 79.922°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Madhya Pradesh
All world heritage sites · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs