Archaeologists in Bihar have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved 9th-century brick temple belonging to the Pala Empire in the Bhagalpur district. The structure is notable for its rare terracotta friezes, which unusually feature silver-inlaid detailing on the jewelry and weaponry of the depicted deities. This luxury ornamentation suggests that the temple was a site of significant royal patronage, possibly linked to the nearby ancient university of Vikramshila.
The excavation has so far revealed the central sanctum and a portion of the circumambulatory path. The silver inlays, though partially oxidized, provide a glittering contrast to the deep red of the burnt clay, a decorative style previously unrecorded in Pala-era architecture. Local heritage authorities have initiated a plan to convert the site into a protected archaeological park, emphasizing the need to preserve these fragile metallic accents from environmental exposure.