Why was Konark temple filled with sand by the British?

The British had filled the Garbhagruha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Sun Temple—famously known as the Black Pagoda—in Konark with sand between 1903 and 1909 to prevent the ageing structure from collapsing.

Also Read: ASI begins sand removal process from Konark Sun Temple’s sanctum after 122 Years

Now, after 122 years, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun the delicate process of removing that historic sand fill, renewing global curiosity about what lies inside the long-sealed chamber.

Core drilling through the sanctum wall has already touched the British-era sand layer. ASI engineers confirm that the sanctum walls are an impressive eight metres thick, a reassuring indicator that the ongoing extraction poses no structural threat.

As the operation progresses, the long-awaited p