The restoration of a rare 9th-century Gurjara-Pratihara Sun Temple in the Chittorgarh district has revealed a sophisticated ancient engineering technique previously undocumented in the region. Engineers found that the temple's mandapa was constructed using angled shadow-dampening slabs designed to eliminate harsh shadows within the sanctum during the winter solstice. This architectural trick ensured that the main deity was illuminated by a soft, diffused light throughout the day.
The project, led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), also focused on re-assembling the broken stone wheels that represent the sun god's chariot. During the process, workers discovered a small chamber beneath the pedestal containing copper plates that list the names of the masons and sculptors involved in the original construction, providing a rare glimpse into the medieval guilds of Rajasthan.