Meguti Jain Temple

The earliest securely dated temple in the Chalukyan series, fixed to 634 CE by an inscription on its own wall.

On the hill above Aihole, and unusual among early Indian temples in carrying its own date: an inscription by the poet Ravikirti, composed in 634 CE, records its construction and in passing supplies one of the anchors for early Chalukyan chronology.

The building was never finished. That is part of why it is useful — the unfinished upper storey shows how such a temple was put together, which a completed one conceals.

Written for Jain Times. Corrections are welcome — see sources and licences.