India: The 10th century Shiv Mandir (Shiva Temple), Kera, Kutch, Gujarat State

The Shiv Mandir at Kera was built during the reign of the Chaulukya dynasty (Solankis) in the later part of the 10th Century (9th to 11th century) and is dedicated to Shiva. The temple has been subjected to severe earthquake damage during the earthquake of 1819 and the Bhuj earthquake of 2001.

Kutch (often spelled Kachch) is the northwestern part of the Indian state of Gujarat, divided from the main part of the state by the Arabian Sea and a stretch of salt marshes. To its north lies the Pakistani province of Sind. The name Kutch is said to be derived from the Kachelas, a sub-caste of the lohar (blacksmiths’) or soni (goldsmiths’) castes.