Miscellaneous Topics on Indian History

[ramana]

bgravi, Yes there are evidences of such temple destruction in early times. In those times temples were sources of regal power and legitimacy. Recall the Chakravarthi is the image of Vishnu on earth. Hence to destroy a rival there temples also were sometimes razed.
However there is a difference in the Islamic razing of temples and places of worship and the above quoted deeds. Islamic razing is based on ritual destruction enjoined in the Quran. Its an outgrowth of the Semitic origin of Islam. Example the Mosque in Istanbul Haggia Sophia and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in addition to many Indian mosques. Try to get hold of the ritualistic Ten commandments.
The temple razing by the old Indian kings was a political act while that by the Islamic horde was a religious act. I hope I make myself clear.