ABSTRACT
A brief overview of the sacred sites in Gujarat for the period under study amply demonstrates the diversity in the selection of sites as well as monumental architecture demarcating sacred space over time. Most of the structures do not show any signs of the involvement of royalty in their creation or sustenance. Devoid of moorings provided by royal patronage, clues to the emergence and gradual increase in numbers and complexities of sacred sites in Gujarat can be found within archaeological, inscriptional and literary data. A careful analysis of the topography of Gujarat and an understanding of the settlement pattern and location of sacred sites in context are important in presenting a holistic and comprehensive understanding of religious developments. The causes behind the selection of a site could be as varied as political, economic activities (agriculture, craft or trade) or a combination of these, and archaeological data guide us in determining which of these played a crucial role at various sites through different periods of time. Data from archaeological excavations and inscriptional evidence shall be the prime sources utilised to decipher the resource base of sacred sites.
