A rare 8th-century brick temple, attributed to the later period of the Nala Dynasty, has been discovered by a local survey team in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. The structure is one of the few surviving examples of early medieval brick architecture in central India, featuring a unique tri-ratha plan and ornate terracotta moldings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, though it shows signs of having been a syncretic site for both Shaivite and Buddhist practitioners.
The discovery includes several terracotta plaques depicting scenes from the Puranas, which are stylistically distinct from contemporary stone carvings in the region. Experts believe the use of brick suggests a localized architectural school that thrived in the forested hinterlands of the Maikal Hills. Plans are being finalized for a systematic excavation of the surrounding mounds to identify the remains of an associated monastic or residential complex.