Temple Architecture Styles

Indian temple architecture, emerging post-Gupta period, have been codified into three primary stylistic orders: Nagara (North Indian), Dravida (South Indian), and Vesara (Deccan/hybrid). These styles were not merely aesthetic but reflected regional political patronage, religious doctrines, and socio-economic contexts, providing enduring models for Hindu sacred space and artistic expression.

Evolution and Defining Elements

Nagara (North Indian)

  • Geographical Area & Patronage: Area between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas. Patronized by Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chandellas (Khajuraho), Solankis (Gujarat), and the Ganga Dynasty (Odisha).
  • Curvilinear Shikhara: The most distinctive feature is the curved tower over the main shrine (Garbhagriha), which slopes inwards, culminating in an ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now

To get access to detailed content

Already a Member? Login here


Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material before the last six months of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.

Related Content