Role of temples in socio-economic life of people

Published on 12 Sep 2025

• Economic Support: Temples often own significant land resources and receive donations in the form of land, wealth, and agricultural produce from devotees. These resources were managed by the temple administration and utilized to support various socio-economic activities. 

• Example: Brihadeshwara temple

• Employment Opportunities: The temple administration required priests, musicians, dancers, sculptors, painters, architects, craftsmen, and workers for various temple-related tasks. 

• Example: Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• Marketplaces and Trade: Temples attracted merchants and traders who set up marketplaces or bazaars near the temple premises. These marketplaces facilitated the exchange of goods and services, contributing to local and regional economies.

• Example: Brihadeshwara temple

• Patronage of the Arts: Temples were patrons of art, music, dance, and literature. Festivals and religious events organized by temples often included cultural performances, which enhanced the socio-cultural fabric of the community. 

• Example: Virupaksha temple, Hampi

• Educational and Intellectual Hub: Temples established educational institutions and hosted scholars and intellectuals who engaged in philosophical, theological, and academic pursuits. 

• Example: Brihadeshwara temple

• Social Welfare: Temples undertook various charitable and philanthropic activities such as providing food, shelter, and healthcare to the needy. Temples also supported the construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, tanks, and wells, benefiting the local community. 

• Example: Virupaksha temple, Hampi

• Community Gathering and Festivals: Regular religious ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events brought people together, fostering a sense of social cohesion and collective identity.

• Example: Virupaksha temple, Hampi

Challenges faced by ancient temples in India 

• Natural Decay: Time and weather take a toll on temple structures, leading to erosion, structural instability, and deterioration of the architectural elements. 

• Vandalism and Theft: Temples have been subjected to acts of vandalism, theft of valuable artifacts, and illegal encroachments, causing damage to the temple premises and loss of historical and cultural treasures. 

• Pollution and Environmental Factors: Urbanization, industrialization, and pollution have had a detrimental impact on temples, causing discoloration of stone surfaces, corrosion of metal elements, and degradation of paintings and sculptures. 

• Lack of Maintenance and Neglect: Many ancient temples have suffered from a lack of proper maintenance and neglect due to limited resources, insufficient funding, and inadequate attention from authorities. 

Measures taken for their preservation

• Conservation and Restoration: Systematic assessment, documentation, and restoration of temple structures, sculptures, paintings, and other architectural elements. Expert restoration techniques and materials are employed to preserve and repair damaged or deteriorated areas. 

• Example: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD Scheme)

• Legal Protection and Heritage Laws: Governments have enacted heritage laws to safeguard ancient temples and their surroundings. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State Archaeology Departments oversee the implementation of these laws. 

• Example: The Architects Act, 1972

• Awareness and Education: Educational programs, public campaigns to educate the public about the importance of preserving and respecting these heritage sites. 

• Example: Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture

• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities and temple authorities in the preservation process is vital. Community participation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the temple's upkeep.

• Example: Sacred Groves (Kavu in Kerala)

• Tourism Development and Revenue Generation: Infrastructure development, visitor facilities, and proper management of tourist inflow can contribute to the preservation of these temples.

• Example: Char Dham Pariyojana 

• International Collaborations: Collaborations with international organizations can bring in expertise, funding, and technical support to aid in the preservation efforts. 

• Example: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on “Shared Buddhist Heritage”

• Documentation and Digitization: Creating comprehensive documentation and digital archives of temple architecture, sculptures, inscriptions, and historical records is essential. Digital preservation ensures the availability of information for future research and acts as a backup in case of loss or damage.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Role of temples in socio-economic life of people temple priests musicians dancers sculptors painters architects craftsmen trade Patronage art music dance literature Challenges faced by ancient temples in India Measures taken for their preservation of ancient temples in India Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive PRASAD Archaeological Survey of India Architects Act Sacred Grove kavu Char Dham Pariyojana Shared Buddhist Heritage

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Art and Architecture