Title

Buddhist Stupa architecture style

Rare
4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites)
DescriptionBuddhist stupa architecture, a prominent form of Indic sacred structure, serves as a reliquary mound, evolving in design across various regions and embodying Buddhist cosmological principles through its form and orientation.
Also Known As
Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Taxila
Gandharan Influences
Indian Buddhist Stupa Architecture
Taxila Stupa Design
Gandharan Architecture
Central Asian Stupa Evolution
Indic Mandala Planning
Tibetan Buddhist monastic architecture
Fortress
Sloping inward walls.
Tibetan Buddhist Architecture
Dzong Architecture (Bhutanese)
Monastic Architecture of the Himalayas
Indo-Tibetan Style
Elements of Kashmiri Wooden Architecture
Traces of Pala Dynasty Influences (Eastern India)
Buddhist Stupa Architecture
Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Stupa Architectural Influences
Early Buddhist Stupa Design
Indian Buddhist Iconography
Tags
Stupa
Anda
Harmika
Chatra
Torana
Medhi
Relic
Circumambulation
Buddhist Monument
Pradakshina
Buddhism
Monastery
Style ID
INHF-STY-6707398987-10:05:42:02:04:25:BSAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/buddhist-stupa-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/buddhist-stupa-architecture-style
Total Sites4
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
India
Nepal
Tibet
Southeast Asia
Central Asia
Pan-Indian
Bihar
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Gandhara

Historical Context

Time Periods
3rd century BCE
Present
3rd Century BCE onwards
1st century CE
2nd century CE
3rd century CE
4th century CE
5th century CE
Dynasties
Maurya Empire
Shunga Dynasty
Kushan Empire
Maurya Dynasty
Kushan Dynasty
Maurya
Sunga
Satavahana
Kushan

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Buddhist monasteries
Pilgrimage sites
Buddhist Religious Sites
Associated Deities
Buddha
Bodhisattvas

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Brick
Stone
Stucco
Architectural Features
Anda (hemispherical dome)
Harmika (railing)
Chatras (umbrellas)
Toranas (gateways)
Medhi (terraces)
Anda (dome)
Chatra (umbrella)
Medhi (terrace)
Chatra (parasol)
Medhi (drum)
Torana (gateway)
Pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path)

Keywords

Keywords
Stupa
Anda
Harmika
Chatra
Torana
Medhi
Relic
Circumambulation
Buddhist Monument
Pradakshina
Buddhism
Monastery

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Stupa: Its Religious, Historical and Architectural SignificanceBook

Heritage Sites (4)

See Also

Related Materials

Brick
Stone
Stucco

Related Features

Anda (hemispherical dome)
Harmika (railing)
Chatras (umbrellas)
Toranas (gateways)
Medhi (terraces)
Anda (dome)
Chatra (umbrella)
Medhi (terrace)
Chatra (parasol)
Medhi (drum)
Torana (gateway)
Pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path)

How to Identify Buddhist Stupa architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Anda (hemispherical dome), Harmika (railing), Chatras (umbrellas).
  2. Verify geographic location: Buddhist Stupa architecture style architecture is typically found in India and Nepal.
  3. Examine construction materials: Buddhist Stupa architecture style typically uses Brick and Stone.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 3rd century BCE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 4 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions