What is Atchala architecture style?

Atchala, or 'eight-roofed,' is a Bengali temple style distinguished by its eight sloping roofs meeting at a curved ridge, often featuring terracotta ornamentation and reflecting vernacular building traditions.

Where is Atchala architecture style architecture found?

Atchala architecture style architecture is primarily found in West Bengal, Bangladesh. There are 4 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Atchala architecture style architecture used?

Atchala architecture style architecture was used during 17th Century CE, 18th Century CE, 19th Century CE. It is associated with the Malla dynasty, Local Zamindars, Burdwan Raj dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Atchala architecture style architecture?

Atchala architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Terracotta, Laterite, Stucco. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Atchala architecture style architecture?

There are 4 heritage sites documented with Atchala architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Atchala architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Atchala architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites)
Description	Atchala, or 'eight-roofed,' is a Bengali temple style distinguished by its eight sloping roofs meeting at a curved ridge, often featuring terracotta ornamentation and reflecting vernacular building traditions.
Also Known As	Bengali terracotta Vernacular Brick stucco figurative panels Bengali Temple Architecture Atchala Style Eka-Ratna Style Laterite Construction Techniques Terracotta Decoration Classical Hindu Temple Influences Vernacular Bengali Influences Decorative friezes plaques. Bengal Temple Architecture Classical Bengali Temple Architecture Atchala Pancharatna Rekha Deul Eka-ratna Jora Bangla Do-chala
Tags	Atchala Bengali temple Terracotta Eight-roofed Vernacular Hindu architecture Bengal roof Temple architecture Vernacular style
Style ID	`INHF-STY-4634814343-04:05:10:08:02:19:AAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/atchala-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/atchala-architecture-style`
Total Sites	4
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	West Bengal Bangladesh

Historical Context

Time Periods	17th Century CE 18th Century CE 19th Century CE
Dynasties	Malla dynasty Local Zamindars Burdwan Raj

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Shakta temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Durga Krishna Kali

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Brick Terracotta Laterite Stucco
Architectural Features	Eight sloping roofs Curved ridge Terracotta panels Arcuate openings Atchala roof Curvilinear form Terracotta ornamentation

Keywords

Keywords	Atchala Bengali temple Terracotta Eight-roofed Vernacular Hindu architecture Bengal roof Temple architecture Vernacular style

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Terracotta Temples of Bengal	Book	Detailed analysis of terracotta art on Bengali temples.
Temples of Bengal: A Regional Study	Book	Details on roof styles in Bengal temples

Heritage Sites (4)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Jagannath Temple Ranchi	Secondary	21%
Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar	Secondary	21%
Taraknath Temple Tarakeswar	Secondary	100%
Tarapith Temple Tarapith	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Atchala architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Eight sloping roofs, Curved ridge, Terracotta panels.
Verify geographic location: Atchala architecture style architecture is typically found in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Examine construction materials: Atchala architecture style typically uses Brick and Terracotta.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 17th Century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 4 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Atchala architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (4)

See Also

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How to Identify Atchala architecture style

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