The "Fool's Errand" Castle of India - Apparently.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, India, features a stunning example of a "dry moat" – a castle-style architectural feature that was a common misinterpretation of Indian temple design by European colonizers. The "moat" is actually a shallow canal surrounding the temple, which was meant to symbolize the sacred Ganges River. Built in the 17th century, this "dry moat" was likely a result of the temple's designers' intention to create a sense of spiritual connection to the sacred waters of the Ganges, rather than a practical defense mechanism.