I took this just as a sample case to show how we are getting trained to look into "true " History.. Or how we are moving closer towards more authentic Historical details.
For a quick recollection ::
In any Ancient Temples ( say Divya desam / Paadalpetra sthalam) - the Garpagraham or around the first Prakara - will be ancient .. mostly BRICK STRUCTURE ( from 6th to 8th Century - when hymned by Azhwars or Nayanmars !).
In most of such temples, we can see some tabloid depicting the Prabandam or Thirumurai.
While reading it we can easily understand the descriptions ::
Poompunal shoozh ... surrounded by water body thann tharu keezh .. under the tree branched-out widely Maadanagar ... Town will higher storied structures etc., !
This more or less gives us the back drop of the original structure.
When we look at Further Prakaras (CHUTRU or THIRUCHUTRU) and compare with the first one, if we find them homogenous, then the structure is of almost same period.
Mostly the outer ones will be more lavish and ornamental. Means they have been added later.
Then we will gain knowledge of Architecture pattern (or signature) of Rayas - Nayaks - Sarfojis... and others.
Influences of Chalukyas or Hoysalas too ...
Comparing these with avl inscriptions, we can make out the back ground of the Temple related to History .. nothing to do with STHALAPURANAM which would say that Indira worshipped, Hanuman stayed overnite etc., etc.
It will not be easier task to compare Bronzes ...
That needs more closer scrutiny... should be learned from Scholars item by item.
That is why the Media reports / Sthalapuranams / Temple Manuals also need to be put in acid only to assess History..