What is Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style?

A regional style of Hindu temple architecture prevalent in Bengal, characterized by hut-shaped roofs (dochala, chauchala, atchala), often built of brick, and dedicated to various deities.

Where is Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture found?

Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture is primarily found in West Bengal, Bangladesh. There are 2 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture used?

Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture was used during 17th-19th century CE, 16th century CE, 19th century CE. It is associated with the Malla dynasty, Burdwan Raj, Various Zamindar families dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture?

Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Terracotta. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture?

There are 2 heritage sites documented with Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	A regional style of Hindu temple architecture prevalent in Bengal, characterized by hut-shaped roofs (dochala, chauchala, atchala), often built of brick, and dedicated to various deities.
Also Known As	Unknown Religious Nagara Architecture Kalinga Architecture Traditional Mizo Architecture Vernacular Architecture of Northeast India Hindu Temple Architecture of Bengal Elements of Dravidian Architecture (e.g. Gopuram influences albeit subtly) Generic North Indian Temple features Dravidian Temple Gopuram Vimana. (Incorrect this is a later addition not a UNESCO site not Dravidian). Dravidian Architecture Kalinga Architecture influences Indigenous Tribal Architecture Elements of Buddhist Stupa Design
Tags	Bengal Dochala Chauchala Atchala Terracotta Bangla Chala Ratna
Style ID	`INHF-STY-3427710489-03:08:28:12:08:20:BHTAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/bengal-hindu-temple-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/bengal-hindu-temple-architecture-style`
Total Sites	2
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-19th century CE 16th century CE 19th century CE
Dynasties	Malla dynasty Burdwan Raj Various Zamindar families

Sacred Context

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

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Brick Terracotta
Architectural Features	Dochala roof Chauchala roof Atchala roof Terracotta ornamentation Curved roof Terracotta panels Chala style Ratna style

Keywords

Keywords	Bengal Dochala Chauchala Atchala Terracotta Bangla Chala Ratna

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Banglar Mandir	Book	Comprehensive study of Bengal temples.
Bengal Temples	Book	Detailed study of Bengal temple architecture.

Heritage Sites (2)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Shiv-Parvati Mandir Hnahthial	Secondary	100%
Shree Ganesh Mandir Champhai	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Dochala roof, Chauchala roof, Atchala roof.
Verify geographic location: Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style architecture is typically found in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Examine construction materials: Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style typically uses Brick and Terracotta.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 17th-19th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (2)

See Also

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How to Identify Bengal Hindu Temple architecture style

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