Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine
Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine North Annex · Katas Site
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇵🇰 Punjab, Katas Raj, Pakistan
About
About Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine
Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine in Punjab, Katas Raj, Pakistan is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 32.7240N 72.9520E controls access to Punjab resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Punjab, Katas Raj, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1962 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine main structure
c. 1942
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2002–2017
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
32.7240° N · 72.9520° E · 374 m · 4 mapped features
- Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine — Main StructurestructurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel32.7248° N · 72.9529° E
- Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature32.7230° N · 72.9513° E
- Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial32.7255° N · 72.9532° E
- Katas Raj Temples North Courtyard Shiva Shrine — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site32.7224° N · 72.9509° E
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