Dambal is a village in the Gadag district of the state of Karnataka, India. It was an ancient center of Buddhism and remained so as late as the 12th century.^[1]

Dambal is at an elevation of 590 metres and its population is 21,096.^[2]

History

Under the rule of the Mauryas and Satavahana, the teachings of Buddha flourished in Karnataka. Buddhist relics are found scattered around the town.^[3]

In a temple of the Buddhist deity Tara in Dambal, there is an inscription dated 1095 AD, a temple built by 16 merchants for the deity Tara and a vihara for Buddhist monks. Although Buddhism was assimilated by the growing popularity of Hinduism, there was a Buddhist centre in Dambal as late as the 12th century.^[4]

Doddabasappa Temple

Doddabasappa Temple at Dambal, 12th century CE

Each right angle is divided into four 22.5 degrees angles. Then each angle is again divided and covered with intricate carvings.^[6]

Twenty-four pointed stellate plan of vimana of Dodda Basappa Temple in Dambal, North Karnataka, 12th century CE

See also

• North Karnataka
• Tourism in North Karnataka
• Gadag
• Lakkundi
• Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)

• Vesara

Notes

External links

• History of Indian Art
• Article on: Architecture