Osian was an important center of pilgrimage between the eighth and ninth centuries. History also confirms that Osian was a large and prosperous city in the early medieval times. Influence of the Brahmins was very strong in Osian during that period. Later, Jainism also flourished in the place. This was the main reason for the construction of many Hindu and Jain temples in the place. At the time of the construction of the temples between the 8th and 12th centuries, Gurjara Pratihara dynasty reigned in Osian. In antiquity, it was known as Osian Ukeshpur.
Osian has a cluster of 16 Jain and Vaishnav temples of great archaeological significance belonging to the 5th century B.C. A group of 11 temples belonging to the 8th and 9th centuries are located within the Osian village. Another group dating from the 11th and 12th century is situated on a hill overlooking the village.