Revisiting Modhera (Ancient Moherakpura), Gujarat, using old maps and geospatial analysis

Modhera (~ancient Moherakpura) is famous for the Sun Temple with an ornate Surya Kunda located on the Tropic of Cancer. The archaeological importance of Modhera can be traced back to the Saka-Kshatrapa times (~second century BCE). The Sun Temple was built during the Solanki dynasty on the River Pushpavati, a River Rupen tributary that drains into the Little Rann of Kachchh. Archaeologically, Modhera is also known for its extensive ruined fort and a stepwell, both to the east of the temple complex. Further, eight water bodies, some active even today, are located around the ancient ruins. The modern town of Modhera is situated on the ancient mound; brick walls can be traced on the ruins on the east, west, and south parts of the ancient mound. Extensive brickbats are found strewn all over the mound. Previous research by Cl. Monier Williams and Burgess indicates the importance of Modhera as the settlement of Modh Brahmins and the settlement of Modherapur located in the Saraswat Mandal, as also indicated by a reference in Prabhanda-Chintamani (~eleventh century CE). The capital of Saraswat Mandal was Anhilwada (Patan). The Dhandakaranyaka chapter of Skandapurana also mentions Modhera as Moherakpura in the context of donations made by Rama in Dwaparyuga. The Dhandakaranyaka chapter also mentions the creation of sacred water tanks, the construction of temples, and the nature of sacred landscapes. In the context of the surrounding landscape and the ancient settlement, the Sun Temple is important for understanding the overall setting. This paper will attempt to understand the landscape with remote sensing and GIS tools to understand the overall setting of the settlement along with water bodies (both step wells and lakes) and the Sun Temple complex. The results from the exploration in and around the settlement are also incorporated to situate the ancient ruins and their surroundings in the landscape.